Pistou Soup Recipe

I decided to make some pistou soup today.  As with so many dishes, the fresher the vegetables the better.
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And this is the recipe I gave for the Connecticut Farm to Table Cookbook that just came out on the market.  Learn more here: <http://www.connecticutfarmtablecookbook.com>. 

Or order it here: 

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This soup is quite flexible, allowing for maximal use of what is in season.  Start with a basic recipe and then add what you have.

First, you will roughly need (and these should be chopped to desired size):

• 2 medium or 1 large onion
• 2 medium potatoes
• 2-3 carrots (depending on size)
• 1 cup or so of green beans
• 2-4 leeks (depending on size)
• 1 large tomato
• 1 bunch of Swiss chard (spinach can be substituted)
• 2 cups cooked beans of choice (I use navy beans)
• 1 or two zucchini(s) (depending on size)

Some like to add uncooked elbow macaroni for texture and interest.

Saute the onions and leeks in an olive oil and butter combination. The potatoes and carrots can also be sauteed if desired.

Add the sauteed mixture to 8 - 10 cups of boiling water (depending on pot size).

The hardest vegetables should be put it first, allowing for a longer cooking time (potatoes, carrots, etc), and the most tender (leafy greens, etc) last.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Then, in a blender, combine:

• 4 - 5 cloves of garlic (depending on the size and how much you like garlic)
• 1 cup (or so) basil leaves
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ⅓-½ cup Parmesan cheese

Blend thoroughly and add to soup.

This is a soup that very much needs to be personalized, adding more salt, pepper, garlic or parmesan cheese if too bland. (I tend to go heavy on all of them.) More water can be added if too thick or strong; and more vegetables if too thin and watery. And I don’t peel any of the vegetables (carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.) in an attempt to retain nutrients.