Cream of Brussels Sprout Soup

This recipe comes from Twelve Months of Monastery Soups.

2 Tab. Butter

1 pound Brussels Sprouts, sliced into quarters

1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced

2 leeks or onions, sliced

3 garlic cloves

8 cups of water

salt and pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

2 cups of milk or cream

Melt the butter in a saucepan and saute the Brussels Sprouts, potatoes, onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add the water and seasonings and cook slowly over low-medium heat for 40-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bay leaf. Add milk and stir well. Blend the soup in a blender and serve hot.

If desired, cook separately some Brussels sprouts sliced into quarters to be used as a garnish on top of the soup.