Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, shredded
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons margarine or butter
• 2 cups broth, any flavor
• 2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup nonfat or 1% milk
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, saute onion and carrot in margarine or butter until onions begin to brown.  Add broth and broccoli.  Simmer until broccoli is tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. In another container, slowly stir the milk into the flour until smooth. 
3. Stir the milk mixture into the soup.  Bring to a boil and continue stirring until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes.
4. Add cheese and pepper.  Heat over low heat until cheese is melted.  Serve hot.