Spinach and Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Charred Scallion | culture: the word on cheese

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon olive oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped (about 2 cups))
• 3 stalks celery (finely chopped (about 1 cup; save the leaves for garnish))
• 3 large carrots (peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup))
• 2 large garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 10 –12 fresh tarragon leaves
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 quart vegetable broth
• 3½ cups broccoli (stems peeled, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
• ½ pound Australian aged cheddar
• 6 scallions
• 1 pound fresh spinach (rinsed and stems trimmed)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sherry (or apple cider vinegar)
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)