Vegetarian Broccoli Soup Recipe

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1-1/2 Cup onion, chopped
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 Bell pepper, diced
• 4 Cups broccoli, chopped
• 2½ Cups veggie stock
• 2 Cups water
• 1/2 tsp Basil
• Pepper
• 1 Cup broccoli florets, sliced and steamed (optional)

• Melt butter in the Dutch oven. Put onion, bay leaf and salt in the pan and sauté, over medium heat, until onion is tender (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add bell pepper, basil, broccoli, veggie stock and water.
• Bring to a simmer, cover and continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is well cooked.
• Discard the bay leaf and purée the soup in batches.
• Season with pepper and top with optional florets.
• Serve hot.
• Vegetarian Broccoli Soup is ready.