2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups broccoli florets
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups milk or half-and-half
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat
Add onion and cook until soft
Add garlic and cook briefly
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute
Add broccoli, potato, and broth
Bring to a boil
Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender
Blend the soup until smooth or leave slightly chunky
Stir in milk or half-and-half
Add salt and black pepper
Add cheese if using and stir until melted
Heat gently without boiling
Serve warm