Go Green Soup!

I was very excited to find fresh organic green peas at the farmers market. With asparagus also being in season, this Go Green Soup was the order of the day! It also includes green cauliflower, swiss chard, savoy cabbage, pesto, and fresh basil.

Go Green Soup
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup green cauliflower, cut into small florettes
1 cup savoy cabbage, chopped
6 baby chard leaves, stemmed and cut into 1" x 2" pieces
5 stems of asparagus, woody stems removed, cut into 1/4" slices
vegetable stock and water
2 Tbsp pesto
1 tbsp tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh English peas
julienned basil leaves as a garnish

Heat the oil over medium low heat. Saute the garlic for 2 minutes. Add the butter, green cauliflower, cabbage, chard leaves and asparagus. Cover and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Add vegetable stock and water to cover ingredients by 1/2". Simmer for about 8 minutes, until vegetables are still slightly undercooked. Add the pesto, tomato paste, salt, pepper and peas. Cook for 4-5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve topped with julienned basil leaves (or a little pesto or pesto-topped crostini).

(4 servings)