Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup

Recently, I've been dabbling in a little vegan eating. Now, don't get me wrong. I still love meat ... and cheese ... and eggs ... and yogurt and, well, I could go on and on. You get the point. But lately, I've been researching and reading a lot about the health benefits of a more plant-based diet. So, I've increased my vegetable consumption and have cut back on meat and have just about eliminated dairy. But this change in my eating has left me missing some of my favorite dishes.

One of my favorite soups of all time is cream of broccoli. I remember being a kid and frequently asking my mom to make me some. Which now, I think back and wonder how many kids actually like soup? Let alone, broccoli soup. Well, come to think of it, I was an odd child. Most kids hated veggies, but I could throw down on a plate of brussels sprouts or beets. OK, I digress.

Anyway, one of the things that makes this soup so yummy is the cream part, of course. See my dilemma?

How do I make my beloved soup without cream? Well, I've been busy in the kitchen coming up with all sorts of new and revised versions of old favorite recipes that meet vegan standards. So naturally, I had to do a remix on my favorite soup. The fix: I use almond milk instead of cream. And it's pretty good, if I do say so myself. Check it out.

1 tbs coconut oil
1/2 large onion diced
1 garlic clove minced
3 celery stalks diced
1 tsp vegan vegetable base
1.5 tsp celtic sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups water
1 cup almond milk
2 tbs nutritional yeast flakes (optional. adds a rich, cheesy flavor)
16 oz bag frozen broccoli cuts

In large pot, heat oil on medium. Add onions and garlic and saute until onions are slightly translucent. Add celery and cook, stirring frequently for several minutes. Add salt and pepper. Add water and vegetable base, stir well. Cover pot and cook for 30 minutes.

Transfer mixture to blender. Add nutritional yeast flakes. Pulse a few times to blend, you don't want to puree it. The mixture should not be completely smooth. Transfer back to pot and keep warm on low heat.

Enjoy!