4 c. water
2 c. chopped ham
1 med. potato, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
1 chicken flavored bouillon cube
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
2 c. chopped fresh or frozen broccoli
1 med. onion, chopped
3 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
Grated Parmesan cheese

Combine first 11 ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally.

Spoon a third of broccoli mixture into the electric blender; blend 20 seconds. Repeat until all ingredients have been blended. Pour mixture back into Dutch oven. Stir in milk and simmer 20 minutes. Garnish each serving with cheese. Yield: about 7 cups.