Easy Broccoli Soup

12 oz broccoli
1 leek sliced - can substitute one small onion
1 celery stalk sliced
1 chopped garlic clove
1 peeled and chopped potato
4 cups vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Cut broccoli florets off stalks and set aside.  Chop stalks into small pieces.

Over med-high heat drizzle olive oil a few times around bottom of a large pot.  Add leeks, garlic, broccoli stalks, celery and potato and cook until edges are golden.

Pour in vegetable stock and bay leaf and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.  Add the broccoli florets to soup and return to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and let simmer for another 5 minutes or until tender.

Remove from heat and discard bay leaf.  Puree soup in a food processor or blender until smooth and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Monica