Broccoli Soup

Broccoli is one of the vegetables I hate!  As broccoli stands under 'healthy veggie' part, it is a must to have in our diet !! :( So started looking how to include this green and found this super yummy soup. It was really delicious creamy with a mild flavour of broccoli even though there are lots in there and we loved it. So for the broccoli haters... have them as a soup :) You will love it!! :D


Yields : 3-4 servings

Ingredients:
1. Broccoli- 350 g cut into small florets
2. Onion- 1 medium chopped
3. Carrot- 1 medium chopped
4. Butter/Olive oil- 2 tbsp
5. Cream/Milk- 1/4 cup / 1/2 cup
6. Salt- to taste
7. Pepper- 1-2 tsp
8. Hot water/stock- 2 cups
9. Maida/plain flour- 1.5 tbsp

Method:
1. Heat butter or olive oil in a deep pan and add onion,carrot and broccoli.
2. Saute them well by adding little salt and pepper until onion is translucent, for 5-6 mins.
3.  Add the flour and cook for 1 min until it changes colour to light brown.
4. Add hot water/ stock and bring to boil.
5. Bring down the flame to low and allow the broccoli to cook for another 15 mins until it becomes tender.
6. Filter it and take the vegetables to grind in a mixer (**keep the stock) or if you have an immersion blender you can puree them directly.
7. Then place the pan on low flame and add this puree and stock. Mix it.
8. Add cream/milk and mix. Heat it for 2-3 mins and switch off.
9. Serve with required salt, pepper and croutons.

Homemade croutons:
1. White bread- 3 medium
2. Olive oil/melted butter- 1 tsp to drizzle
3. Salt & pepper- to sprinkle
4. Red chilli flakes- 1/4 tsp

Method:
1. Cut the bread into small cubes.
2. In a bowl add the rest of the ingredients with bread and mix.
3. Spread seasoned bread on a baking tray and bake for 8-10 mins on 200 deg C or in microwave on med-high for 15 mins until it becomes golden crisp.

You can also use store bought croutons ;) Serve the croutons with hot yummy creamy soup and enjoy :)