Cream of Broccoli Soup

1 medium onion, sliced thin
4 green onions, white portion only, sliced thin
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
2 Tbsp butter
1 cup water
5 Tbsp. uncooked white rice

salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups steamed broccoli
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream


1) Place first 6 ingredients in a large pot. Simmer slowly for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
2) Add salt, pepper, and 2 cups of broth and simmer 15 minutes. DO NOT BOIL.
3) Pour broth mixture into blender and liquefy. Return to pot.
4) Put cooked broccoli and remaining 2 cups of broth, milk and sour cream into the blender and blend. Blend just a little for chunky soup or liquefy for creamy. Add broccoli mix to pot.
5) If soup is too thick, pour in a small amount of cooking liquid from broccoli to thin. Heat and serve. Be sure not to boil, and stir frequently to keep from burning on the bottom. Also grated cheese may be added to make Cheesy Cream of Broccoli Soup.