Recipe(tried): Similar to Kirkland's Stockpot Broccoli White Cheddar Soup

SIMILAR TO KIRKLAND'S STOCKPOT BROCCOLI WHITE CHEDDAR SOUP

3 Tbsp olive oil or butter
1 onion, chopped
Salt, white pepper and black pepper
(Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, tarragon if desired - 1/2 tsp dried or 1 sprig fresh)
3 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp flour (or superfine brown rice flour or cornstarch if you need to keep it gluten free)
2 cups water or light stock
1 cup milk
1 large, or 2 small heads of broccoli, chopped and steamed
1 Tbsp tamari/soy sauce
1 to 2 cups extra sharp white cheddar
1/2 cup heavy (whipping) cream
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Fresh nutmeg to taste
(If the soup needs an extra flavor kick, add 1/4 tsp each of dry mustard and cumin powder)

Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat in a heavy bottomed wide pan, add onion and salt, white pepper, and any herbs you plan on using, stirring occasionally, when translucent, add garlic, saute until onion is lightly browned and beware the garlic does not get burned.

Stir in flour, cooking for a bit less than one minute. While whisking, add milk and water incrementally, bringing to a boil after each addition.

Add broccoli and tamari/soy sauce, let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Finish by whisking in cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Puree to achieve desired consistency, or lightly mash with a potato masher. Adjust seasoning if necessary, thin soup with extra milk, water or broth if too thick, or if too thin, simmer with lid off to reduce.

Serve hot, but do not boil after adding the cheese.