Light-Style Broccoli Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2/3 c. thinly sliced carrots
1 bunch fresh broccoli (about 6 c.)
Pam vegetable cooking spray
1 c. chopped onion
2 c. peeled, diced potatoes
2 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
2 (12 oz.) cans condensed chicken broth, chilled and defatted or 1 1/2 cups rich homemade broth and 1 can condensed chicken broth, chilled and defatted
1 c. low-fat buttermilk
1 c. skim milk or 1% milk
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. marjoram (if not available, substitute with 1/4 tsp. dried oregano)
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (optional)
fresh grated carrot (optional)

Preparation

Prepare broccoli:
Trim away large woody stalks, then peel outside covering from tender stalks and cut into diagonal slices 1 inch thick.
Divide flowerets into bite-size clumps.
Rinse and set aside to drain.