Step 1

First break the broccoli into small or medium-sized florets or you can chop them.

Step 2

Heat water with salt in a pot. Let the water vigorously boil.

Step 3

Switch off the heat and add the broccoli florets.

Step 4

Blanch for about 15 to 20 seconds and then drain the florets. Reserve a few broccoli florets for garnish.

Step 5

The above blanching method is to get rid of the insects in the broccoli.

Step 6

Heat butter in a sauce pan. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they soften.

Step 7

Add the flour. Stirring often sauté for 2 minutes on a low heat.

Step 8

Then add the drained broccoli. Mix well.

Step 9

Add water or vegetable stock.

Step 10

Mix again thoroughly and cover the pan with its lid.

Step 11

Simmer until the broccoli is cooked well and tender. Cooking broccoli takes about 6 to 7 minutes.

Step 12

Do check while the broccoli cooks a couple of times

Step 13

In the meantime heat milk on a stovetop or in the microwave.

Step 14

No need to boil, simply heat the milk.

Step 15

When the soup mixture is still slightly hot or warm, using an immersion hand blender, blend the soup until smooth in the same sauce pan. You can also blend in a regular blender.

Step 16

Add hot milk to the pureed soup and combine well.

Step 17

Keep the soup pan on the stovetop and begin to simmer on a low heat.

Step 18

Season with oregano or any dried or fresh herbs of your choice. You can include about 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs.

Step 19

Simply gently heat through the soup. No need to bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally.

Step 20

Lastly season with salt, freshly crushed black pepper and ground or grated nutmeg.

Step 21

Pour soup into soup bowls and garnish with broccoli florets.

Step 22

Serve cream of broccoli soup hot, as it is or with toasted buttered bread or baguette.

Step 23

Instead of garnishing with blanched broccoli florets, you can garnish the soup with bread croutons, cream, cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley, basil or cilantro.

Step 24

Store any leftover or make-ahead broccoli soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Step 25

If properly stored, your soup will last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge or up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer.