Broccoli Soup

I love to make a big pot of soup on Saturday and it's a great way to use up the vegetables in the crisper before shopping day on Sunday.  When I want a change from my usual vegetable soup or chicken noodle soup, I really enjoy this quick and easy broccoli soup.

I start with a bunch of broccoli, coarsely chopped, in my big soup pot.  I add a chopped onion, a couple cups of diced potatoes (this makes the soup nice and thick without adding cream), and a clove of minced garlic.  Then I pour in about 1-1/2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth, or water and some bouillon), a pinch of thyme, pepper, and salt.  I let that come to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes or so, until the potatoes are nice and tender.  I use an immersion blender (or a regular blender, in batches) to puree the soup right in the pot and then stir in 1-1/2 cups of milk.  Done!  So simple and really warm and comforting on these cold January days!  (Very healthy and nutritious too!)