This recipe makes about one cup of pesto, which is more than you'll need for the soup. Leftovers are tasty tossed with pasta or spread on crostini.
Servings: 6 to 8
Ready Time: 50 minutes
Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound (500 grams) chopped carrots (about 3 cups)
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup diced and peeled potato
4 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Dandelion pesto
3 cups packed chopped dandelion leaves
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
½ cup slivered almonds
½ cup olive oil
½ cup sheep's milk feta cheese
Method
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrot and onions, and sauté for 5 minutes or until beginning to soften. Add potatoes and chicken stock and bring to a boil.
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Cool slightly. Purée in a blender or food processor and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return to pot and reheat when needed.
PESTO
Combine dandelion leaves, garlic, almonds, olive oil and feta in a food processor and pulse until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
Serve bowls of soup with about 2 tablespoons of pesto swirled on the top.