Broccoli Apple Soup

Description: Great "what's in the fridge?" recipe, easy to prepare with just a few fresh ingredients. From the HungryMonster website. Check back soon for alterations. 11/21/05- You can use florets too, but they won't be thoroughly processed so be careful not to inhale, even though it's yummy. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon canola oil (not olive) or 1 tablespoon walnut oil, etc (not olive)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli stems, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely choppped (3/4 tsp dried, crushed)
• 1 cup onion, thinly sliced (1 med)
• 1 cup red cooking apple, peeled and diced (2 small)
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium low-fat chicken broth (I use veggie)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley

Steps:

1. Heat oil in large pot with lid.
2. Add broccoli, thyme, onion, apple and celery.
3. Cover and cook over low heat 10 minutes.
4. Add stock and pepper, cook 30 minutes more.
5. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
6. Puree 1 cup at a time in blender or food processor.
7. Serve hot or chilled, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkling of minced parsley. Makes 5 1/2 cups.