Lunch: Green Minestrone

Adding the veggies in phases, from longest cooking first to fastest last, guarantees the ideal texture for each.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, chopped
1/2 small fennel bulb, finely chopped
1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
2 small carrots, peeled, thinly sliced lengthwise on a mandoline
1 cup fresh shelled peas or fava beans (from about 1 pound pods) or frozen
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fregola, ditalini, or other tiny pasta
1 1/2 cups (lightly packed) fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 shallot, finely chopped
2 red pearl onions or 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Shaved Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Cook leek, fennel, yellow onion, and celery, stirring occasionally, until softened but not taking on any color, about 5 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are just tender, 10-15 minutes.
Add carrots and peas and simmer until carrots are just tender, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and add pasta to soup.
While pasta is cooking, process parsley and remaining 4 tablespoons oil in a food processor to a coarse paste, transfer to a small bowl, and mix in shallot. Season pesto with salt and pepper. Serve soup topped with pesto, pearl onions, and Parmesan.

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