- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds broccoli, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or as desired (optional)
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat; once the oil is hot, reduce heat to low. Cook and stir onion and garlic in hot oil until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and stir. Pour vegetable broth and lemon juice into the pot.
- Loosely cover the pot and simmer the mixture until the broccoli is tender, about 25 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Garnish with Cheddar cheese to serve.