Fast and Easy Recipe For Broccolini and Tomato Soup

Easy Sunday Dinner: Broccolini and Tomato Soup

October 24, 2010

Whether you're a vegetarian or not, it's a good idea to make the move toward eating less meat and more vegetables — for environmental, health, and budgetary reasons alike. If you've already started with meatless Mondays and want to take it to the next step, apply the same principle to your Sundays as well. You'll begin the week on a lighter step. Whip up a nontraditional vegetable soup that calls for softening, then puréeing carrots, celery, onion, and two different types of tomatoes.
For a little contrast in texture, drop in florets of broccolini and pieces of bread. Warm up to a new soup idea after the break.

Adapted From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Broccolini and Tomato Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small carrot, chopped
2 small ribs celery, finely chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram
Salt and pepper
1 28-ounce can diced or whole fire-roasted tomatoes
1 14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 bunches broccolini, cut into 2 1/2-inch florets
8 to 10 basil leaves, torn
Grated pecorino-romano cheese, for topping
Crusty bread, for serving

Directions

In a medium soup pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the carrot, celery, onion, garlic and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced and stewed tomatoes and the chicken stock and bring to a simmer; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccolini and cook until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.
Using an immersion blender or a blender, puree the soup. Stir in the broccolini and basil; season with salt and pepper. Serve with grated cheese and crusty bread.

Serves 4.