Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
3/4 cup onion , chopped
3 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4-1/2 cups broccoli (about two bunches) roughly chopped
1/2 cup rice (optional)
2 cups thick almond milk
1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese

Cook and stir carrots, celery, and onions with oil. Add vegetable stock and pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir in broccoli and rice. Simmer 10-15 minutes more until vegetables are tender. Add soup to blender and blend until pureed. Return to saucepan and add milk and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped broccoli florets.