Creamy Broccoli Soup

Spring break is on for my kids, which translates to play dates, picnics at the park in the neigbhourhood :). Soup, pasta and pizza are the go to food for my kids when their friends are coming over. Today being Friday did not have much veggies in my refrigerator. I was not up to making a trip to the grocery store, decided to whip up a good meal with what I had. On the menu today was creamy broccoli soup along with pesto orzo and pizza using ready made base. This recipe is slightly interesting as it called for using coconut milk. Adding coconut milk gave it an another layer of creaminess. Soup also tasted slightly sweet and close to dishes from Indian cuisine. My MIL who was not sure if she wanted to have broccoli soup, gave a thumbs up after trying it. Instead of using croutons, I topped it with a few pieces of browned broccoli for a nice crunch.

Ingredients

for soup
olive oil or any oil 2 tbsp
broccoli 2½ cups chopped
carrot ⅓ cup finely chopped
onion ⅓ cup finely chopped
garlic 1 clove minced
salt ¼ tsp
wheat flour 3 tsp
vegetable broth 2 cup
milk 1 cup
coconut milk ¼ cup

for topping
broccoli florets 1 cup
olive oil 1 tsp
salt, to taste

Method

for soup
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the broccoli, carrot, onion, and garlic.
Sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt.
Sauté until onion is translucent and just tender.
Sprinkle vegetables with 3 tsp wheat flour.
Stir and cook for a minute.
Add the vegetable broth with continuous stirring.
Stir the milk, the coconut milk and simmer over medium-low for at least 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Purée the soup. Using a hand mixer lightly blend on a slow speed for slightly chunky soup.

for topping
Pre-heat oven to 425 deg F.
Spread the broccoli on a tray and drizzle oil and salt.
Mix well, bake for 10-15 mins or till lightly browned.

serving the soup
Ladle soup into bowls.
Top with browned broccoli florets, salt and cracked black pepper.
Note: Kids loved the soup as is with out any of the toppings.
Serve warm with bread or buns, crackers, or sandwiches.
Enjoy!!

Note for variations:
-add spinach or kale along with broccoli and other veggies to make the soup more nutritious

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