Broccoli Potato White Bean Soup

large bunch of organic broccoli (about 6-8 cups raw when roughly chopped - including stems -- my "bunch" had 3 small heads in one bunch)

garlic

medium white potato -- or Japanese white sweet potato***

vegetable broth

white beans, cooked (1 standard can drained and rinsed beans)

medium white onion, chopped

black pepper

salt

smoky paprika

nutritional yeast

bay leaf

optional: 1 cup cooked pasta - any variety

***I used a white sweet potato -- this added a subtle sweetness that I actually loved, but I know a regular white potato will work well too for a more savory flavor profile.