As spring and summer rolls around the cost of fresh vegetables start to go down in the markets. Making soup meals becomes a more economical venture and can help feed the hungry family. For a soup comparable to a restaurant-style meal starter, follow these instructions on how to make broccoli potato soup. This simple yet elegant soup recipe is one every cook should keep handy in the recipe box. Broccoli potato soup is a creamy, rich and filling comfort food.

Broccoli potato soup can be made with broth or skim milk to reduce fat and calories. http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/generic/broccoli-cheese-potato-soup_45611

Broccoli potato soup can be added to a frugal meal plan. Buying broccoli and potatoes while they are on sale and in season can decrease the cost of the core ingredients. During winter months, when fresh ingredients are more expensive, frozen broccoli and instant potatoes can be used. To prevent the need to use these substitute ingredients, fresh broccoli can be blanched or steamed and frozen until needed. Potatoes are a bit more difficult to freeze and may be easier frozen after cooked into a soup base or as a baked potato to be used in later recipes. http://idigmygarden.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21650

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, shreddedhttp://mealmakeovermoms.com/kitchen/2009/03/30/immersion-blender-giveaway-potato-soup-recipe/
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 12 ounce cans evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed (can use fresh also)http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1848,153181-234195,00.html
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Ingredient tips:

1. Mashed potatoes for soup can be from leftovers or can be made from an instant potato mix. If making instant, make potatoes thicker than normal by using less water. This helps the potatoes to hold texture when added to the soup.
2. For lighter soup, use broth or half-and-half in place of milkhttp://elise.com/recipes/archives/006153creamy_sweet_potato_soup.php
3. For richer soup, use heavy cream in place of milkhttp://recipes.robbiehaf.com/C/317.htm
4. If substituting fresh broccoli, cut stems into smaller pieces for even cooking

1. Add margarine to soup pan and melt
2. Add onion and carrot and cook until soft, but not browned
3. Add milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and broccoli
4. Cover and lower heat, letting the mixture simmer for 10 minutes
5. Stir occasionally. Do not let boil. Boiling can cause milk to scorch
6. Whisk in potatoes
7. Cover and simmer without boiling. Stir frequently for about 15 minutes
8. Serve in individual soup dishes

Serving Tip:

• Freeze in individual serving containers to use for lunch. Allow expansion room at top of container.

1. Changes in a soup recipe give the dish a new taste and can prevent the family from becoming tired of the same meals served repetitively. Make a double batch of soup and add additional ingredients to half to use for future meals.
2. Broccoli soup can be frozen for use as lunch meals or additional dinner meals.
3. Add cheese to broccoli potato soup for a flavorful meal starter. A potato cheddar broccoli soup can use smaller amounts of cheese by choosing a sharper variety. http://www.recipezaar.com/Broccoli-Cheese-and-Potato-Soup-139511
4. For a meaty variety, add chicken to broccoli potato soup.
5. Using fresh broccoli in a soup recipe requires longer cooking but increases flavor. Cook the broccoli and finish the soup preparation in a blender. http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/recipes/blenders-fresh-broccoli-soup.php
6. Thicken leftover soup to use as a baked potato topper.