Broccoli Soup

Since May my hubby has been on a major health kick. Without even really thinking about it, he has become one of the people who are on those "whole food diets" - but he doesn't call it that, and doesn't flounce about with it and lets himself have a day off here and there to indulge. He has also been lifting and heading out to the gym on a fairly consistent basis. Really, I have to applaud him. Two months and quite a few more kilos lighter he has really been the driving force behind us eating a whole lot better (excepting Sunday Night Desserts!)

With India a mere 5 HOURS away (!!!) we are preparing ourselves, and our delicate first world digestive systems, for 14 days of NO fresh fruit and veg. We are saying goodbye to the fresh stuff because... well, according to our very cheery doctor, it will attempt to kill us. Ever seen Attack of the Kill Tomatoes? Apparently cholera isn't as hilarious as a badly scripted late 70s film.

Each week more and more vegetables have been invading our lives for the better and, as much as I love it, occasionally, just the thought of crunching and munching away on all that green makes me feel ....a little green.  Welcome Broccoli Soup.

 Broccoli Soup
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon oil
1/2 brown onion, sliced
1 stalk of celery, sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
1/2 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried)
4 cups chopped broccoli
1 cup water
2 cups vegetable stock
dash of milk and cream
pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, heat the butter and the oil. Add the onion and the celery and sauté until softened.

Add the garlic, herbs, broccoli, water and stock. Bring to the boil and then let simmer until broccoli has softened.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool before blending. Blend in batches (include liquid with broccoli in each batch). Once blended and smooth add in milk/cream if you wish and add pepper to taste.

Reheat soup if necessary. Soup keeps in the fridge for about 3 days and freezes well.


Have a lovely 2 weeks, I'm looking forward to some Indian sweets!