"Cream" of Broccoli Soup

During the winter, I miss the fresh veggies of summer, but broccoli is such a great main-stay through the colder months.  This is about as easy as they come for a quick soup.

Ingredients:

4 cups broccoli florets, steamed until soft

1/2 sweet onion, chopped and carmelized, about 1/2 cup (optional)

2-3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup coconut milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme is good, too.

Method:

Steam the broccoli til soft.

(If you decide to use thyme, or another herb, you can steam it with the broccoli.)

Add it to a 6 quart pan.

Add chicken broth.

Mash the broccoli down into the broth, then use a stick blender or Magic Bullet to blend it up.

Add the coconut milk and blend again.

Heat until just serving temperature.

Season and serve.

Another option is the addition of steamed greens.  Just add them to the broccoli in either the pot or the Magic Bullet and proceed.

Broccoli with Garlic and Butter

A family favorite.  I never in my wildest dreams thought that broccoli would be the vegetable that every member of my family likes!

2 heads of broccoli

4 cloves of garlic, minced, or if you're short on time, garlic powder will work

3 Tablespoons of butter

Cut the broccoli into florettes

Trim and peel

Steam for 5 minutes or so, or for as long as you desire.  I like mine a bit crisp rather than mushy.

(This works well, but something like this is ideal!)

At this point, the broccoli can be set aside and finished at mealtime.

Prepare the butter and garlic by melting the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat.

Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and let simmer in the butter for 10 minutes or so.  

Pour the butter over the broccoli and warm them together if you've prepared the broccoli earlier.