Broccoli and Toasted Almond Soup

Ingredients

• 400 grams broccoli 
• 1 medium onion                                                       
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 inch celery stalk
• 10-12 almonds                                                        
• 4 cups stock or water                                              
• 1 cup low fat milk                                        
• Salt  to taste                                                         
• White pepper powder to taste

Method

1. Cut broccoli into small florets and wash well. Soak in salted water for ten to fifteen minutes and drain.
2. Peel and roughly chop onion and garlic.  Wash and chop celery stalk.
3. Broil or dry roast almonds on medium heat till almond skin changes its colour slightly. Remove from heat, cool and slice into slivers.
4. Heat vegetable stock or water with chopped onion, garlic and celery. Bring it to a boil.
5. Add broccoli florets and continue to cook without covering the pan.   Cook for five to seven minutes or till broccoli is tender.
6. Remove from fire, cool and puree it in a blender.
7. Add milk to pureed broccoli. Mix well. 
8. Bring to a boil again.Add salt and white pepper powder to taste.Stir in toasted almond slivers and serve hot.