Velvety Carrot Soup with Carrot Top Pesto
Photo: Iain Bagwell
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.
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