su-Velvety Carrot Soup with Carrot Top Pesto
Photo: Iain Bagwell
Yields Serves 6 (serving size: 3/4 cup) Total Time 45 mins
Get the most out of great fresh carrots by making pesto out of their tops.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.

Step 2
2

Remove carrot tops from carrots, chop roughly, and set aside. Roughly chop carrots and add to pot. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover (leave lid slightly ajar), and cook until carrots are very tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, mince garlic in a food processor, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add 1 cup carrot tops, the walnuts, remaining 2 1/2 tbsp. oil, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and whirl until blended.

Step 4
4

Purée carrot-broth mixture in a blender, working in batches, until very smooth, about 1 minute per batch. Ladle into bowls and swirl in carrot top pesto.

Ingredients

 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
 1 onion, chopped
 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
 1 1/4 pounds carrots with tops on
 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
 1 garlic clove
 1 tablespoon chopped toasted walnuts

Directions

Step 1
1

Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.

Step 2
2

Remove carrot tops from carrots, chop roughly, and set aside. Roughly chop carrots and add to pot. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover (leave lid slightly ajar), and cook until carrots are very tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, mince garlic in a food processor, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add 1 cup carrot tops, the walnuts, remaining 2 1/2 tbsp. oil, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and whirl until blended.

Step 4
4

Purée carrot-broth mixture in a blender, working in batches, until very smooth, about 1 minute per batch. Ladle into bowls and swirl in carrot top pesto.

Velvety Carrot Soup with Carrot Top Pesto

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