Broccoli Soup with Chive Oil

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped chives
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 fresh or 2 dried Turkish bay leaves
• 1 pound broccoli, stems and crowns cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
• 4 cups low-salt chicken broth

1. Puree 1/4 cup oil, chives, and cayenne in blender. Season with salt.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and bay leaves; cook until onion is golden, stirring often, about 7 minutes. Add broccoli; stir until bright green, about 1 minute. Add broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Cool soup slightly.
3. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth, about 1 minute per batch. Return soup to pot. Rewarm until hot. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Divide soup among 6 bowls. Drizzle with chive-cayenne oil and serve.

recipe from: epicurious.com, 4/10/05