Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ( 1/4 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 4 yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 head fresh broccoli, chopped
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, for topping
  • Sour cream, for topping
  • Rustic bread, any kind you like, thickly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
  • Unsalted butter, for serving (optional)

Method

  • To make the soup, in a soup pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add onion and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic, thyme, potatoes, and broccoli, and saute for another 5 minutes.
  • Add milk and heavy cream, and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Reduce heat and simmer the soup for 15 minutes, until potatoes are soft.
  • Add cheese and continue to simmer for 2 minutes.
  • While soup is cooking, make the Pistachio-Crusted Bread.
  • Rub cut sides of halved garlic cloves over each piece of bread.
  • Top each piece with a handful of Parmesan cheese and pistachios.
  • Toast until browned, either in toaster oven or under a broiler.
  • If desired, serve bread with butter.
  • Puree soup mixture in a blender or food processor.
  • Serve hot with a sprinkling of walnuts and a small dollop of sour cream on top of each serving.
  • Serve with Pistachio-Crusted Bread.