To start off the recipes for 2022, we\’re going to feature soups! Here\’s a great recipe – courtesy of allrecipes.com – for Cream of Broccoli Soup! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, divided
• 1 onion, chopped 
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cups chicken/vegetable broth 
• 8 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)
• 2 cups milk (oat or other plant-based milk)
• ground black pepper to taste

  

Directions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium sized stock pot, and sautee onion and celery until tender. Add broccoli and broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. (Can add the milk here to avoid step 3).
2. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Alternatively, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot. Season with pepper and serve. 

(OPTIONAL STEP) In a small saucepan, over medium-heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter, stir in flour and add milk. Stir until thick and bubbly, and add to soup. Season with pepper and serve.

TIPS: This can be vegan with the options of vegan butter, vegetable broth and a plant-based milk. Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Using a blender will be more creamy than the immersion/stick blender.