Broccoli Soup

This morning I was trying to think of something quick and healthy I could whip up for lunch, when I stumbled across a bag of frozen steam-in-the-bag broccoli in the back of our freezer. Matt is working at the dock until noon, so I wanted to have something made when he gets home. I adapted this recipe from a South Beach cookbook - it is soooo easy, it took me less than 30 minutes... not sure if I can wait until noon to eat it. Enjoy!

Easy Broccoli Soup
Extra virgin olive oil
Half an onion, chopped
Minced garlic
1 12-oz package frozen steam-in-bag broccoli
Salt & pepper, to taste
Chicken broth
Lemon juice
Fat free half and half

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil in a medium sauce pan, 5 to 10 minutes or until tender. Microwave broccoli according to directions on the bag. Add steamed broccoli to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and add enough chicken broth to cover the veggies. Add some lemon juice, then bring to a simmer, partially cover pan and let cook for 10 minutes or so. Remove pan from stovetop and use a hand blender to puree the soup. Add a splash of fat-free half and half to make it creamy. This is a small batch - good for two or three people. Double it if you want to feed more. (Note: You can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, it'll just take a little longer to cook.)