WINTER WHITE VEGETABLE SOUP

Soups are very versatile. They can be hearty and filling, or

they can be perfect diet dish ( if you refrain from butter crackers, cheese toast and

hundreds of other great accompaniments on earth ).

January is such a soup month for me and I love whipping them up.

This recipe follows a remarkable low-effort... just a bit

small episode of chopping.

I know your saying this does not look like a vegetable soup???

See my beautiful vegetables :)

Chop 1 white onion, 2 small leeks (white parts only).

Add olive oil in a large pot with onions and leeks and sweat them for about 6 to 10 minutes.

Now add to the pot 2 parsnips (peeled and cut up), 1 turnip (peeled and cut up),

1 large russet potato (peeled and cut up) and two cups sliced cauliflower.

Salt and pepper and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for several minutes.

Then increase the heat to high, add a cup of wine, and cook until almost all

the liquid has cooked away.

Measure out 6 cups of chicken stock (or vegetable stock) and add to the pot.

Add a cup of water and stir.

Bring the soup to a boil and then lower heat and cook

for about 10 to 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Puree the soup and add a 1/2 cup of cream (I left cream out)

Ladle into bowls. Wow smells so Yummy!

Garnish with Cilantro Pesto or Blue Cheese.

Hmmm Bacon would be good too:)

Have a sip of my Winter White Vegetable Soup with Pesto or…

Would you take a taste with the Blue Cheese?

This soup is so delicious and perfect for a cold wet winter day.

Since we don't have those White Winter Snow days

in Belvedere California it was the perfect idea to

whip up a pot of Winter White Soup

and wear my White Parka…

Stay Warm.

Enjoy!

P.S.

BASIL PETSO

2 cups fresh basil leaves

4 to 5 cloves garlic

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup salt

1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

1/2 cup olive oil plus 1 to 2 tablespoons

Combined the basil, garlic, cheese, salt and paper in a blender or food processor and process briefly. With motor running, add oil in a slow stream. continue processing 

until the pesto is the texture you prefer.