Jo’s Cream of Broccoli Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 big bunch Broccoli
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 finely chopped yellow Onions
  • 1 finely chopped Leek
  • 1 cup finely diced Celery
  • 1/2 cup finely diced Carrots
  • 1 minced clove Garlic
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 4 cups milk (warm)
  • 4 cups chicken stock (warm)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Marjoram
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg to taste
  • Optional: grated cheddar cheese

Instructions


Lightly steam Broccoli and dip in ice water to stop cooking and retain verdant greenness. Drain well. Cut the florets and edible stem into bite-size pieces. Set aside.


In a heavy soup pot, melt the butter and sauté the Onions, Leek, Celery, Carrots and Garlic over a medium heat until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to make a roux, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add milk and broth, constantly stirring until smooth. Add the Thyme and Marjoram, and salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Stir over low heat until thickened. Add the Broccoli. (It freezes well in airtight plastic bags for use within three months.) Serve piping hot with a optional sprinkling of grated cheddar cheese.


Broccoli | Onions | Leek | Celery | Carrots | Garlic | Thyme | Marjoram