Broccoli soup

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/down-home-with-the-neelys/broccoli-soup-recipe/index.html

Total Time: 40 min
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min
Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Level: Easy

Ingredients4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli [Note*]
1 large onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup cream
Homemade Croutons, recipe follows below

DirectionsMelt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, onion, carrot, salt and pepper and saute until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour reaches a blonde color. Add stock and bring to boil.

Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes. Pour in cream. With an immersion blender, puree the soup. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and then replace the lid back on the pot. Serve hot with Homemade Croutons.

[Note*: source: http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodequivalents/a/broccoliequiv.htm
Broccolini, broccoflower, or cauliflower may be substituted for broccoli in most dishes. 
• 1/2 pound broccoli = 1 serving
• 1 medium bunch = 3 to 4 servings
• 1 bunch = 1-1/2 to 2 pounds
• 1 pound fresh broccoli = 2 heads
• 1 pound fresh broccoli = 9 ounces trimmed
• 1 pound fresh broccoli = 2 cups chopped
• 10 ounces frozen broccoli pieces = 1-1/2 cups chopped
• 10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli = 2-1/2 cups chopped]


Homemade Croutons:

Day old French bread
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut bread into cubes and place in a large bowl. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Spread seasoned bread onto a sheet pan and bake for about 15 minutes.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings