BROCCOLI POTATO SOUP WITH PARMESAN CROUTONS

Broccoli Potato Soup with Parmesan Croutons image

Yield Makes about 8 cups, serving 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 3/4 pounds boiling potatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced
7 cups water
2 cups 1/2-inch cubes Italian bread, toasted lightly
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 pound broccoli, coarse stems discarded, cut into 1-inch flowerets and remaining stems peeled and sliced thin

Steps:

Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a 4-quart saucepan boil potatoes, garlic, and water, skimming froth, until potatoes, are very tender, about 15 minutes.
Set broiler rack about 1 inch from heat and preheat broiler.
While potatoes are boiling, in a bowl sprinkle bread with oil and salt to taste and toss. On a baking sheet arrange bread in one layer as close together as possible and sprinkle with half of Parmesan. Broil bread until Parmesan is melted, about 1 minute.
Transfer potatoes with a slotted spoon to a bowl, reserving cooking liquid in pan, and with a potato masher mash coarse. Stir potatoes and broccoli into reserved cooking liquid and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining Parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve soup with croutons.