During the last part of April one year, I picked what I had available in the garden. I found oregano, leeks, asparagus and rhubarb. This became the base for an essence-of-spring recipe. The rhubarb adds a citrus element, which is balanced by the nutty, earthy pistou. It is truly a layering of flavors. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Spring Essence Soup with Pistou
Spring Essence Soup with Pistou
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Yield
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
Ingredients
- 1 medium leek (white portion only), cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 10 baby red potatoes, quartered
- 6 fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- PISTOU:
- 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted
- 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions
- In a large saucepan, saute the leek, carrot and red pepper in oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in stock and potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the asparagus, rhubarb, sugar, salt and pepper; cover and simmer 4-6 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, place the oregano, hazelnuts, oil, garlic and salt in a food processor; cover and pulse until blended. Serve with soup.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup with 1 teaspoon pistou: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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