Broccoli And Almond Soup

Ingredients

2 heads of broccoli
2 Tbs. oil
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 pts/1.1 ltr vegetable stock
2 Tbs. ground almonds
4 Tbs. double cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper
fresh grating of nutmeg
extra double cream and toasted flaked almonds for decoration

Instructions

1) Separate broccoli heads from stalks. Break heads into florets and peel and chop stalks. Rinse and drain.

2) Heat oil in a pan and fry onion until softened, but not brown. Pour over vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Add broccoli and simmer, covered, until soft.

3) Puree smooth in a blender. Return to the pan and stir in ground almonds. Bring back to bubbling stir in cream, seasoning and nutmeg.

4) Pour into individual warmed bowls and decorate each with a swirl of cream and toasted almond flakes.