Broccoli and Leek Soup

Nothing beats a good wholesome soup on a cold winters night....try this one this winter, it's packed with vitamin C to help stave off colds and flu's!

Ingredients
2 thick slices wholemeal bread, crusts removed, cut into 1cm pieces
Olive oil spray
1 leek, pale section only, halved lengthways, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large potato, peeled, finely chopped
1L (4 cups) water
1 salt-reduced vegetable stock cube, crumbled
600g broccoli, cut into florets
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
75g (1/4 cup) low-fat sour cream

Method
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Place the bread on a baking tray and spray lightly with olive oil spray. Bake, turning once, for 10 minutes or until golden.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Spray with olive oil spray. Add the leek. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until aromatic.

3. Add the potato, water and stock cube to the leek mixture. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the broccoli. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Set aside to cool slightly.

4. Place the broccoli mixture, parsley and basil in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer the soup to a clean saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until heated through.

5. Ladle the soup among serving bowls. Top with sour cream and croutons. Season with pepper to serve.

Enjoy!