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Recipes

Vegetable soup with basil croutons

This lovely soup makes the most of British winter produce, yet with its Mediterranean flavours, is a cheerful reminder of warmer days to come.

December 30, 2008 16:53
489831896

ByJudi Rose, Judi Rose

1 min read

Serves: 6 - 8

In these frosty months, roots rule, along with frost-resistant greens such as leek and celery. Carrots, onions and potatoes — which grow below ground, safe from the ravages of British weather — are among the pleasures of winter cooking. Sweet onions are wonderful simply sautéed in a little olive oil, adding a rich, round flavour to winter soups. Add some legumes — like haricot beans — and herbs and you have a delicious and nutritious meal.

This lovely soup makes the most of British winter produce, yet with its Mediterranean flavours, is a cheerful reminder of warmer days to come.

Keeps 2 days under refrigeration. Freeze 3 months.

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions or one very large one, finely chopped
1 large potato (225g, 8oz), peeled and cut in 1 cm (½in) dice
1 fat stick of celery, diced
White and pale green part of a medium-sized leek, finely sliced
1.7 litres (3 pints) hot vegetable stock
1 tsp sugar
225g (8oz) fresh or frozen green beans, cut in 1 cm (½in) lengths
One 225g can haricot beans, drained
2 rounded tbsp double concentrated tomato purée or sun-dried tomato paste
25g (1 oz) vermicelli broken into short lengths, or tiny pasta shapes
2 tbsp shredded basil leaves

For the croutons
Generous handful fresh basil leaves
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium slices white bread, cut into 1 cm (½in) cubes

For serving
Grated Parmesan