Heat oil in a medium, heavy-bottom pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shallots, saute 3 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and jalapeno. Saute 3 more minutes until the shallot is tender. Add lemongrass, saute 1-2 more minutes.

Add the veggie or chicken stock or broth, kefir lime leaves, salt, broccoli and potatoes, and bring to boil – it’s OK if the broccoli isn’t all submerged, it will still steam. Cover, lower heat, and gently simmer 10-12 minutes, or until broccoli is fork-tender. Once tender, turn the heat off, uncover.

Add a big handful of baby spinach to give the soup a more vibrant green color. Add ¼ cup cilantro (save the rest for garnish) and blend until very smooth using an immersion blender. Or cool the soup and blend in batches using a regular blender (keeping in mind, blending a blender full of hot soup will explode!) Fill the blender only halfway full & place a kitchen towel on top of the lid and firmly hold the lid down while blending- or wait until it has cooled!

Place the blended soup back in the pot over low heat. Stir in the coconut milk (solids and liquid) – you can start with half a can and add more to taste. Add sugar and stir until warmed through. Do not boil or you will lose the lovely color!

Add lime juice, and optional fish sauce to taste, or add salt. Find the balance.

Divide among bowls, garnish with any of the options above.