Make the pesto a day ahead and keep covered in the fridge, ready to top this healthy French vegetable soup from Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 each medium carrots and celery sticks, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed and finely chopped
- 250g each turnip, celeriac and parsnip, peeled and finely chopped
- 140g frozen peas
- 140g tinned haricot beans or dried haricot beans soaked overnight
For the pesto
- large bunch basil
- 1 clove garlic
- 100ml extra-virgin olive oil
- grated parmesan and croûtons, to serve
Method
-
Heat the oil in a large pan and sweat the onion, carrots, celery, fennel, turnip, celeriac and parsnip for 5-10 mins. Pour over 1.6 litres of boiling water, season and simmer for 10-15 mins, until the vegetables are tender. At the last moment add the peas and the beans and cook for a further 1 min. Taste and season with salt and pepper as necessary.
-
Meanwhile, make the pesto sauce. Blanch the basil leaves in boiling water for 5 secs, then remove and cool under cold running water. Pat dry and purée all the ingredients in a liquidiser. Taste and season, then reserve. Keep in the fridge until required. When ready to serve, pour the soup into a large, warmed tureen, top with some of the pesto sauce and serve to your guests. Place Parmesan and croûtons on the table so guests may help themselves.