La Scalas Ortolana Soup Recipe 375

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add penne. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until lightly golden. Add eggplant and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Add zucchini and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add peppers and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add half the basil; season with a pinch of salt. Stir in tomatoes, and cook for about 3 minutes. Add cooked penne and enough reserved cooking water to loosen the mixture slightly. Toss to combine. Stir in remaining basil. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt. Divide evenly between two serving plates; serve immediately with cheese, if desired.

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the leeks and saute for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the carrots, zucchini and potatoes, and saute for about 3 minutes more, or until mixed well and beginning to soften. Add the tomato paste and chicken stock and simmer, partially covered, for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the garbanzo beans and cook for another 3 minutes or until heated through. Add the salt and pepper. Process the soup with an immersion blender in the soup pot until pureed. Add the parsley and taste for seasoning.