Let’s break down the cooking process into easy steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Start by washing and chopping your broccoli into small florets. Dice the potatoes, onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smoother.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s translucent. You want it to be soft and fragrant.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning. The aroma will be heavenly!
3. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Toss the diced potatoes into the pot, stirring well to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
4. Add the Broth:
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add the Broccoli:
   • Once the potatoes are tender, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
6. Blend the Soup:
   • If you prefer a smooth soup, carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you like it chunkier, feel free to leave some bits intact. You can also transfer it in batches to a traditional blender—just be cautious with hot liquids!
7. Add Cream and Cheese:
   • Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a traditional blender) and stir in the milk or cream. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. This step is where the magic happens—the soup transforms into a velvety delight!
8. Season to Taste:
   • Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper. This is your chance to adjust the flavors to your liking.
9. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional cheese on top, add a dash of pepper, or garnish with fresh herbs if you like.