Step 1

Melt butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 3 minutes or until onion is softened.

Step 2

Add flour and mix into onion mixture. Cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3

While stirring, slowly pour the milk in and keep mixing as it turns into a thickish paste that's mostly smooth. Use a whisk to make it smooth if needed.

Step 4

Add chicken stock, water, salt and pepper. Stir, then add potato.

Step 5

Bring to simmer then adjust heat so it's simmering gently. Cook for 8 minutes (no lid) or until potato is almost cooked. Stir ocassionally so the base doesn't catch.

Step 6

Add broccoli and stir. Cook for 2 minutes (or until broccoli is cooked to your liking), then take the pot off the stove.

Step 7

Stir through cheese (I use 1 cup) - broth soup be nicely thickened. Add more salt if needed.

Step 8

Ladle into bowls and top with garnishes of choice.