Creamy Broccoli Soup Lane

2 pounds broccoli -- with stems

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion -- chopped

3 cloves garlic -- pressed

1 tablespoon flour

8 cups water

1 large baking potato, peeled and chopped

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1 can evaporated skim milk -- 12 oz

1 tablespoon lemon juice

CHOPPED MEASURES: 1-1/2 cup onion; 1-3/4 cup potato

PREPARE the broccoli by cutting off and reserving the dark green florets. With a small, sharp knife, peel the stems lengthwise to reach the tender, nonfibrous part inside. Discard the peelings and coarsely chop the tender parts of the stems. Set aside stems and florets. In a large kettle, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until soft. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer. Stir in the flour until it coats the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the water and bring to a boil over low heat. Add the potato, broccoli, salt, thyme and white pepper and simmer covered for 35 minutes.

Add the evaporated skim milk and lemon juice and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes longer. Strain broth and the vegetables. Puree the vegetables in a food processor or blender; (or use a hand-held immersion blender). Recombine the pureed vegetables and the broth and stir well. Makes 9-1/2 cups.

- [release: Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service; run: Riverside Press-Enterpise 22 Aug 96]