This time of year in Iowa a healthy pot of warm soup takes the winter chills away. A great vegetable to start with is broccoli. It can always be found in the produce section, and broccoli is packed full of nutrients. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and is related to cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It’s full of vitamin C which may help boost the immune system. A nice crusty bread pairs well with this soup. This recipe was found in the Taste of Home Books One-Pot Recipes and was submitted by Carolyn Weinberg, Custer, Montana.
Best Broccoli Soup
Ingredients:
2 cups water
4 cups chopped fresh broccoli (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Carolyn’s directions:
In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, celery and carrots; boil 2-3 minutes. Drain; set vegetables aside. In the same kettle, sauté onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually add the broth and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 1 minute. Add vegetables and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Yield: 6-8 servings (2 quarts).