01 -
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, onion, carrot, salt and pepper and sauté until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes.
02 -
Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour reaches a blonde color. Add stock and bring to boil.
03 -
Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes. Pour in cream. With an immersion blender, purée the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste.
04 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut bread into cubes and place in a large bowl. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix well. Spread seasoned bread onto a sheet pan and bake for about 15 minutes.
05 -
Serve hot soup topped with homemade croutons.