Skinny Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Name: Skinny Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion; 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 ½ cups low fat 1% milk; 3 cups chicken broth (or stock (low sodium)); 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-size pieces); 1 cup peeled and julienned carrots (or matchstick carrots); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 bay leaf; 8 ounces reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)