Best. Broccoli. Soup. Ever. I dropped by Springdale Farm on my way to work the other day and saw some beautiful broccoli I needed to have. That’s odd for one reason: I don’t particularly care for broccoli. But it looked so tempting. I came home and immediately made soup for the week. And then I ate it in two sittings. I will make this all season.

To serve this soup you can top with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream (as pictured), a little olive oil and coarse salt, or grate parmesan or another salty and hard cheese right on top. Serve with a crusty bread or just straight piping hot in a mug on the go. Don’t worry about being precise with this recipe- it can take a little flexibility.

Lemony-Garlicky Broccoli Soup
1 small onion, chopped
2 celery stocks, chopped (leaves on)
1 carrot
3 cloves garlic, bruised and separated
1 pound broccoli florets and some stock, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 lemon and zest
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
3-4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable)
salt and pepper to taste
optional garnishes:
parmesan, yogurt, chives, parsley

In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, carrot, and 2 cloves of the garlic until just soft and onions are starting to become translucent. Add the broccoli, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes over low heat. Stir in lemon zest, parsley and 1 clove garlic (chopped). Pour in 3 cups of the stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to low and simmer the soup partially covered for about 15 minutes. If the broccoli is not completely tender continue to cook for 10 more minutes and add more broth so the liquid continues to reach about 1/2 or 3/4 up the vegetables.

When the broccoli is tender, puree the soup. Add 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice and stir. Taste for salt, pepper, and more lemon. Add more broth if you want it thinner.

Serve hot (or cold) with any number of the garnish options.