SINCE THE WIFE MAKES YOU EAT VEGETABLES ANYWAY:

Cream of Broccoli (Contra Costa Times, 09/12/2007)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 tablespoons long-grain rice

11/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock, heated

1/4 teaspoon salt

Black pepper to taste

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1. In a soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the rice, hot stock, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Stir in the broccoli and return to a boil. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Let the soup cool slightly, then puree in a food processor or blender. Add a little extra stock or water if the soup is too thick for your taste.