Creamy Broccoli Soup

This intensely flavored soup, thickened with vegetables, makes good use of broccoli stalks. I save stalks that would otherwise be discarded over a week, then prepare a big pot of soup. It's important to peel the stalks before cooking or they will jam up your sieve when you strain the puree. Pressing the cooked mixture through a sieve creates a wonderfully creamy texture.