Summer minestrone with pesto cream

Prep time: 35 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Makes: 6 to 8 servings as a first course, or 4 as a main course

For the soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium onions, finely chopped

4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into

1⁄2-inch pieces

1⁄2 pound white or red rose potatoes, peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces

1 large zucchini, cut into 1 ⁄ -inch pieces

2

1 large yellow crookneck squash, cut into

1⁄2-inch pieces

1 Japanese eggplant or 1⁄2 small globe eggplant, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces

1⁄2 small cabbage, shredded

1 cup peeled and puréed fresh tomatoes

6 cups vegetable or chicken stock

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1⁄4 cup orzo

1 cup well-drained canned white beans like cannellini

For the pesto cream:

1⁄2 cup favorite pesto (make your own or use store-bought)

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1⁄2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and saute until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Add the carrots, potatoes, zucchini, crookneck squash and eggplant and saute until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the cabbage and saute just until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high, add the tomatoes, chicken stock, garlic, basil, and salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. The soup will be slightly thickened.

4. Fill a separate saucepan three-fourths full of water and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook just until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and add to the soup. Add the white beans, stir and taste for seasoning. Let cool to room temperature.

5. To make the pesto cream, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, including salt and pepper to taste, and whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.

6. Ladle the soup into bowls and swirl in a tablespoon of the pesto cream.