Cream of Broccoli Soup

Ingredients (9)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 medium yellow onions, coarsely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, divided, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 pounds broccoli with stalks (3 large or 4 medium)
• 6 cups water
• 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
• Optional garnishes: Drizzle of heavy cream and/or sprinkled of finely snipped fresh chives