Adapted from a recipe published in the New York Times: September 28, 2010.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients:
For the soup: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 sprig rosemary 3 bushy sprigs thyme 4 parsley sprigs 1 chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 medium squash, diced 1 carrot, diced 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 pound fresh field peas (about 1 1/2 cups) 4 tomatoes (about 3/4 pound), diced 1/2 cup thinly sliced green beans For the pistou: 4 cups fresh basil, packed 1/3 cup slivered almonds 1/4 cup chopped plum tomato 2/3 cup grated Parmesan 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil.
Preparation:
In a large pot over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Tie rosemary, thyme and parsley in a bundle with kitchen string if desired (this makes it easier to fish out later). Add the herbs, onion, garlic, squash, carrot, salt and pepper to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
Add broth, peas, tomatoes, green beans and 4 cups water to the pot. Simmer partly covered until the beans are tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Discard herbs. Thin with a little water if the soup is too thick.
Prepare the pistou: Pulse the basil, almonds, tomato, Parmesan, garlic and salt in a food processor until basil is chopped and all the ingredients are combined. Drizzle in olive oil while the motor runs and continue processing until a paste forms. Serve the soup with dollops of the pistou, letting people add more as needed.