Recipe: Homemade Alphabet Soup (vegetable soup)

HOMEMADE ALPHABET SOUP

"The canned version may hold the memories, but this one is chock-full of homemade flavor. Check the pasta section of the supermarket for dried alphabet pasta."

1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium boiling potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
3/4 cup minced onions
5 1/2 quarts chicken stock
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
3 cups diced zucchini
3 cups peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), divided use
5 1/2 cups dried alphabet pasta
1/2 cup cooked peas
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (for accompaniment)

In a large pot over moderate heat, warm olive oil. Add potatoes, carrot, and onion and saute 5 minutes.

Add chicken stock, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and simmer 15 minutes.

Add zucchini and 1 cup of the tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes.

Add pasta, peas, and remaining 2 cups tomatoes; simmer until pasta is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately and pass a bowl of Parmesan.

Makes about 16 cups
Source: The California Culinary Academy