Soup-er Lunch - Cream of Broccoli

I was on the lookout for a good soup book for a long time and after a steady search on Amazon I finally zeroed in on 'Twelve months of monastery soups'. Maybe it was the word 'monastery' that did it; I thought of a maroon robed monk stirring a pot of bubbling soup in a quaint French kitchen. Why maroon and why France I don't know, but not a bad reason to buy a book huh?!

The author is a Benedictine monk and shares his monastery's soup recipes in the book. The recipes are simple and easy to make. No frou frou stuff here, or even tedious simmering and stewing. Whether it is the uncommon solyanka, the rich cheese veloute or the popular gazpacho, the soups are all hearty, delicious and easy.

So if the thought of curling up on the sofa with a bowl of hot soup on a chilly evening appeals to you, this book is right up your alley. On the flip side some recipes call for a lot of oil or cheese but this is a minor flaw as one can easily make adjustments while cooking. Overall I'd say the book really works because I find myself referring to it time and again.

CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP
(serves 3-4)
1/2 a pound of broccoli
2 medium size potatoes
1 onion
4 cups water
1/2 bouillon cube (such as Knorr)
1/2 cup half & half (I used low fat)
a pinch of cayenne
salt and pepper to taste
grated cheese to garnish

Wash broccoli and cut into small florets. Wash, peel and thinly slice potatoes.

Pour water into a large stock pot. Add vegetables and bouillon cube. Cook on low heat for an hour.

Let cool, then puree the soup in a blender. Transfer to pot, add cream and cayenne. Season to taste.

Simmer for a few minutes, garnish with cheese and serve hot.

Other excellent books for soup aficionados -
Soup, a way of life
Splendid Soup

Entry for: FMR - Comfort food hosted by Revathi