Cream of Broccoli and Pesto Soup: Recipe

I often skip online blogging events these days. But the idea of inviting bloggers to dinner is a very nice one indeed. Too bad my apartment is so small and my table virtually impossible to get more than three chairs around. Truth be told, other than house guests I haven't had people over in ages.

So what would I serve? That is a tough question. Of course it would very much depend upon which blogging friends were to dine here. For vegetarian friends I would probably make my eggplant lasagna. For meat eating friends a roast chicken and crispy roast potatoes because, really, who doesn't like that? For seafood eating friends I would make a luscious oniony risotto with shrimp and peas or asparagus and a drizzle of lemon oil.

For a starter, I would make a cream of broccoli soup with pesto. Why? Because I made it this weekend and it was a real hit. I'd be curious to see if they like it as much as I do! I would pair it with a nice Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. For dessert it would truly depend upon the season, but I'm guessing a pear tart which I would serve with a late harvest Riesling.

Note: I will link to a few bloggers when I hear back from them, so far Catherine of Albion Cooks has agreed to the challenge. A special thanks to brand-new food blogger, Julia of A Slice of Cherry Pie for inviting me to participate.

Cream of Broccoli and Pesto
serves 4 as a first course

1 Tablespoon oil or butter
1/2 onion chopped
1 big bunch broccoli, stems peeled and chopped, florets broken into small pieces
2 cups chicken stock (or vegetarian broth ok)
2 cups milk
1 heaping Tablespoon pesto

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or pot. Saute the onion until golden, but not very brown. Add the stems and cook for another minute or two then add the florets. Cook for another minute then add the chicken stock. Place lid on the pot and cook for a few minutes, until the broccoli is just tender but still bright green.

Add the milk and pesto and stir to combine. Simmer for five minutes, until reduced slightly, remove from stove. Puree in batches, in the blender until very smooth. Season with salt to taste.

Enjoy!

FOOD