Creamy Broccoli Soup

If you love broccoli, you are going to ADORE this soup- clean, healthy, rich and delicious. When you saute the onion in coconut oil, it infuses a very subtle coconut flavor that adds a bit of complexity to this simple soup. You would think I was talking about red wine here, but it's true:) It may seem like a lot of broccoli, but it makes the soup very thick and fresh tasting. Hope you try it~

Creamy Broccoli Soup

• 1 Tbsp coconut or extra-virgin olive oil ( the coconut oil adds a really yummy flavor to the soup, but is definitely identifiable, so if you don't like the taste of coconut, use olive oil)
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups 1% milk
• 2 large heads broccoli, trimmed and chopped (8+cups)
• dash of cayenne pepper
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• grated cheddar for garnish
• 
  
• Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add broth and cayenne pepper and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and simmer, covered, until bright green and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add milk and bring back to a bubble. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, and blend with immersion blender or in batches in regular blender. Enjoy!