Smooth Broccoli Soup – Velouté aux Brocolis

Ingredients

• 1
  
  head of brocoli
  
• 1
  
  medium carrot, peeled and cut in pieces
  
• 1
  
  small sweet onion cut in pieces
  
• 1/2
  
  leek – only the white part
  
• 2
  
  garlic cloves
  
• 1
  
  tablespoon butter
  
• 1
  
  cup vegetable stock
  
• 1
  
  cup milk
  
• 1/2
  
  cup cream
  
• 
  
  salt
  
• 
  
  white pepper
  
• 
  
  Fleur de Sel for garnish
  

Directions

1. Wash and prepare all the vegetables cut up in small pieces.
2. In a pot melt the butter. Sweat the onion, add the broccoli, carrot, garlic and leek, mix, allow to sweat for 5 minutes. Add the vegetable stock, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add the milk and simmer over low heat another 5 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and put in a liquidiser. Add salt and fresh ground white pepper and process until competely smooth. Check the seasoning.
5. Pour the soup through a medium strainer and press with the back of a laddle so any fibers from the leek or onion remain in strainer so the soup is very smooth. Check the seasoning and re-heat over low heat.
6. Whip up the cream. When ready to serve, whisk in the whipped cream, reserving 4 teaspoons for decoration.
7. Serve hot, sprinkle with a bit of Fleur de sel over each bowl and a teaspoon of whipped cream.