Awesome Broccoli basil soup

Broccoli Basil Soup

I have been buying used cookbooks on Amazon and giving them new life. I take recipes and try to veganize them. This recipe came from the Golden Door cookbook. The Golden Door is a spa I would love to visit. But for now I visit in my home with their delicious veganized recipes.

1/2 medium onion diced
1 pound broccoli
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 tsp salt (if desired)
black peper t taste
1 bay leaf
1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves
2 TB sliced fresh basil leaves
2 ounces smoked chedder or gouda (vegan)

Spray a medium saucepan with olive oil and heat over low heat. Add onion and cook till translucent not brown. Stir frequently.  4-5 minutes
Meanwhile Peel the woody stems of broccoli with a paring knife and slice stems 1/4 inch thick chop florets.
Stir in broccoli and cook for 1 minute. Add stock, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Raise heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, until the broccoli is tender when pierced by a fork.  (10-15 minutes.)
Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Then remove and discard bay leaf.
Transfer the soup to food processor (or blender) and process till creamy but still slightly chunky. (about 30 seconds.)  You may need to work in batches. Add basil and spinach to food processor and process for 10 seconds- just to incorporate.
Return soup to clean saucepan and reheat gently over low heat.
Add grated cheese  if desire. Let it melt.
Remove and serve hot.