Best 3 Mark Bittmans Fast Vegetable Soup Recipes

VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Put zucchini, kernels from corn, tomatoes, slivered garlic, stock, salt and pepper in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Cover, and microwave, stopping and stirring halfway, until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes have created a broth, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Garnish: Olive oil and basil.

LUCCAN FARRO SOUP (MARK BITTMAN)

Steps:

• Put oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat; a minute later add onion, celery, carrots, a large pinch of salt and some pepper. Cook until vegetables are glossy and onion is softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, and stir; add farro, beans, tomatoes and stock, and stir.
• Bring to a boil, then adjust heat so mixture simmers steadily. Cook until farro and beans are tender, at least an hour, adding stock or water as necessary if mixture becomes too thick. Stir in parsley and basil (if using), then cook another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve with lots of Parmesan.

MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Rinse the slivered cabbage and chard. Steam for about 15 minutes in the water clinging to the leaves, adding a few tablespoons if necessary to keep the vegetables from scorching. When they are tender but not falling apart, set aside.
• Meanwhile, combine bacon or pancetta, garlic, parsley and onion, and saute gently in the oil in a heavy stockpot or soup kettle large enough to hold all the vegetables and stock until tender but not brown -- about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add remaining vegetables to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes, just until vegetables are tender. Add cabbage and chard with the beans. Stir and bring to a simmer. Taste and add salt and pepper if you wish. Stir in the rice and continue cooking for 15 minutes, or until rice is done. Remove from heat and serve with a spoonful of grated cheese on top.