Let them eat soup!

Thought I'd share a recipe idea for a simple broccoli cheese soup. I am not one to measure, so I don't always relate recipes well, but I'll try! I also normally try to avoid processed food items when cooking, but this is an exception.

Saute some aromatic veggies - tonight I used about 1/2 cup (chopped) each of carrot, parsnip, and onion. Cook them over medium heat until they start to get a slight color on them. Add enough water or chicken stock to cover them (maybe 1/2 - 1 cup) and simmer until the veggies are cooked down and the water/broth has taken on the color and flavor of the veggies.

Prepare one package of powdered country cream gravy mix according to the package and whisk into the veggie base you've created. Stir to combine. If it's really thick, which it probably will be, add milk until you get the consistency you like for soup.

Add Velveeta - as little or as much as you like. I added about 1 cup of it, cut into small pieces. Stir occasionally until it's all melted and combined.

At this point, I usually start to do taste tests. Add salt and pepper as needed. Paprika and a tiny dash of curry powder can liven things up! The gravy mix usually has some seasoning, so I don't normally add much more.

Chop about 1 1/2-2 cups of broccoli into small pieces (you can also use frozen brocolli.) Add it to the soup and simmer until it's tender.

That's it! Super easy and soooo good! Add some crusty bread and you have a delicious dinner in less than 30 minutes!

Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup:
1/2 cup each: onion, parsnip, carrot
1/2 - 1 cup water or chicken broth
1 pkg powdered country cream gravy mix (prepared per package instructions)
1 cup milk
Velveeta cheese
1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped broccoli
dash of salt & pepper, paprika or curry powder

Makes about 4 cups.