South Beach Cream of Broccoli Soup

Molidol's Note:

I went on the South Beach Diet two years ago because I wanted to develop healthy eating habits. My whole family really enjoys this soup. This recipe came from The South Beach Diet Online.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 small head of broccoli (about 3 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups leeks, sliced (white part only)
• 3/4 cup celery, sliced
• 1 1/2 quarts chicken broth, fat-free
• 3 cups evaporated skim milk
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• ground pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Cut the broccoli into florets and set aside.
2. Trim and discard the tough fibrous skin from the stems, coarsely chop and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the oil.
4. Add leeks and celery and saute for 8 minutes, or until the leeks are soft.
5. Add the broccoli stems and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add the broccoli florets and simmer for 10 minutes more.
7. Puree the mixture in a food processor or blender. Return to saucepan.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of evaporated milk with the cornstarch until smooth.
9. Slowly add to the broccoli mixture, stirring constantly over medium heat.
10. Stir in the remaining milk, thyme, and pepper. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more.

Reviews

[jpvillarreal]

Awesome recipe! I loved it and so did my four picky eaters. The only thing I did was add some garlic because I just love garlic.

[mums the word]

What an awesome recipe! I loved this soup. I halved the recipe as I am the only one in the house who will eat broccoli soup but seriously, I'm going to make everyone try this tonight as I am sure they will like it. I did make one mistake though, I opened the wrong tin of evaporated milk, so I didn't use skim but 2% evap milk in error. It may be a bit richer, but I'm sure the general flavour of the soup is the same. I am wondering if this freezes well? Could you maybe add a notation to your intro if you have ever frozen it? Made for Fall PAC 2011. Thanks Molidol, I thoroughly enjoyed all three of your recipes that I made for PAC.