George's At The Cove's Smoked Chicken, Broccoli And Black Bean Soup

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup onions, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 cup broccoli stems, peeled and diced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
1/4 cup dry white wine
4 cups chicken stock, hot
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1 cup smoked (cooked) chicken, diced
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with a little water (optional)

• In 1/4 cup butter, sauté carrots, onion, celery and broccoli stems for 5 minutes.
• Add thyme, oregano and basil; sauté 5 minutes more.
• Add wine and deglaze pan.
• Add hot chicken stock and reduce by 1/3.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, smoked chicken, beans, and broccoli florets.
• Simmer 5 minutes.
• Add cream and simmer 5 minutes more and season to taste (thicken with cornstarch mixed with water if desired).
• Drop in remaining butter, piece by piece, stirring until melted and serve immediately.

To make smoked chicken: On a covered grill, slightly smoke boneless chicken, cooking to medium rare (about 30 minutes). Use wood apple chips and do not allow the grill become too hot.

4 servings