Cream of Brocolli Soup

(From The Moosewood Cookbook)

2 T butter
1½ cup onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 t salt
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cup broccoli, chopped
2½ cup veggie stock or water
2 cup milk
½ cup sour cream or yogurt
¼ t allspice
pepper
dash of thyme
½ t basil
1+ cup broccoli florets, sliced and steamed

1. Sauté onion and bay leaf in butter with salt over medium heat until onion is clear, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is well cooked.

3. Discard the bay leaf and purée the soup in batches.

4. Stir in sour cream and spices, bring almost to a boil.

5. top with optional florets, and serve.