Raise your hand if you have someone in your house that refuses to eat broccoli! You can also caount yourself. Raise your hand if you have picky eaters but you don't give up and wanna feed them healthy meals. My hands are flying! I know many of you also have at least one hand up. So, lets trick (or treat) these finicky guys/gals. How, you're wondering?!? By making my zelidecious broccoli and basil soup. I love to add this flavourful, leafy green herb not only for its lovely taste which will tame a little the strong broccoli savour, but also for the beautiful colour it brings to a warm bowl of soup. 

If you're  looking for a quick and easy lunch idea, packed with veggies, vitamins and minerals, gluten and dairy free, perfect even for those who are not good friends with broccoli, try my Zelidecious Broccoli and Basil Soup. You don't need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but you will bring to the table some bright green bowls of healthiness, deliciousness and happiness. 

Ingredients for 10-12 servings:

• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped 
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1/3 celery root, chopped 
• 2 small carrots, chopped 
• 1 parsnip root, chopped
• 1 big broccoli head (aprox.750 gr.), roughly chopped 
• 1 tsp. dry oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves 
• 3 L boiling water
• 200 ml. light cooking cream (vegetarian cooking cream for a dairy free version or don't use at all).

Method:

1. In a large pot, put the olive oil, onion, garlic, celery, carrots and parsnip root to fry for 5 min under high heat, stirring from time to time so it won't burn.
2. Add the boiling water and leave to cook for 30 min. 
3. Add the dry oregano, salt and pepper to taste and the broccoli pieces. Leave to boil for 5 more min.
4. Close the heat and add the basil leaves. Take the pot aside.
5. Using a blender, blend the soup in 3 or 4 stages and transfer in another pot. 
6. If using cream, add it to the soup after blending, stir and boil 2-3 min. Season with more salt and pepper if needed and serve with a crusty, fresh bread. 
7. Enjoy!