Creamy Broccoli & Celery Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Large Onion , 1 cup minced
• 3 Celery Stalks , 2 cups diced
• 1 Large Head Broccoli (1 pound/450 grams), see note 1
• 2 cups Vegetable Broth , see note 2
• 1 cup Water
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• A Pinch of Black Pepper , generous
• Croutons , optional

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil.
2. Add roughly chopped onion and saute for 3-4 minutes.Meanwhile wash and roughly cut broccoli and celery. Use all parts of broccoli including the stems. Throw the broccoli stems and celery in the pot.
3. Pour in vegetable broth. Season with salt.Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low-medium, cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.Now add the broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for a further 10 minutes or until the broccoli has softened.Turn off the heat and puree it until smooth using a hand blender.Taste and season with black pepper and some more salt if required.
4. Serve in a bowl garnished with a handful of croutons (optional).