Broccoli Un-Cheese Soup

This is the soup I have been craving for a while.  But, to find time in the kitchen to actually make it, that's another story.  During my pregnancy so far, I have been so busy with work, keeping the house maintained, and food on the table.  My only project right now (when I have time) is getting the baby's room ready.  So, needless to say, I was excited when today I actually have the time- and extra energy- to make this yummy soup! 

Okay.  You know that really delicious, comforting, Broccoli and Cheese "restaurant-style soup" we eat in the winter time?  The one that coats your belly as well as your palate?  Well, this is that soup that does all that and more- but without the side of guilt.  You can feel good about serving this to your family, because it is gluten-free, dairy-free, but certainly NOT taste-free! 


Broccoli Un-Cheese Soup


2 cups potatoes, cubed
2 cups carrots, cubed
1 med-large onion, chopped
3/4 cup raw cashews (or blanched-slivered almonds)
1 pound (4 cups) fresh or frozen broccoli, cut into 2 inch pieces
3/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
2-3 TB McKay's Chicken Seasoning (or alternative)
2-3 TB Celtic grey sea salt (to taste)


1.  Place potatoes in small pot, cover with water.  Bring to boil, cook until tender.
2.  Place carrots and onion in another small pot, cover with water.  Bring to boil, cook until carrots are tender.
3.  Once potatoes are tender, place in Vitamix or blender with cashews & 2-3 cups of cooking water.  Blend until very smooth.  Add to big soup pot.
4.  Place broccoli in potato pot, cover with water, bring to a boil.  Blanch a few minutes, until tender.  (You may also steam the broccoli if you'd prefer.)
5.  Once carrots are tender, put the mix into blender with some of the cooking water.  Blend until very smooth.  Add to big soup pot.
6.  Put broccoli and its water into blender.  Pulse, or blend for several seconds until everything is broken up small.  strain out broccoli, and add to big soup pot.
7.  To soup pot mixture, add yeast flakes, chicken seasoning, and salt.  Whisk everything until incorporated fully.  Add more salt to taste.  Voila!  Bon appetite!