Part 4/7:
Once the cheese sauce reaches a thick, luscious consistency, stir in chopped carrots—preferably matchstick-cut for a delicate texture—and small broccoli florets that are carefully washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces. The vegetables are blended into the cheese foundation, but the soup isn't complete until it has been thinned to a proper soup consistency using chicken broth or stock.
Adding heavy cream at this stage heightens the richness, making the soup satisfyingly creamy without overwhelming the palate. The mixture is brought to a simmer until the broccoli is tender, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and velvety. The visual cue of a light, creamy orange hue indicates that this is both delicious and authentic in appearance.