Vegetable Bisque

Ingredients

• 3 tsps ground oregano
• 2 tbsps pepper
• 10 leaves basil
• 4 tbsps salt
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 6 spears large asparagus
• 1 package green beans
• 1 package broccoli
• 1 head large cabbage
• 5 stalks large celery
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 leeks
• 1/2 large onion
• 1 can tomato paste
• 5 cups water

Directions

1. Sauté onion, leek, garlic and celery in the oil until tender.
2. Chop all of the veggies into bite sized pieces.
3. Add half of the tomato paste and continue to sauté until combined. When combined, add stock, water, and half of the chopped basil.
4. Bring to a boil and add all the rest of the chopped ingredients and the rest of the tomato paste.
5. Simmer for 2 hours. Add salt and pepper to taste. Check it every once in a while and flavor as necessary.
6. When all the veggies have basically turned to mush, let the soup cool for about 30 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender or a food processor to puree the soup until the texture is completely smooth.
8. Enjoy alone or with a small dollop of low fat sour cream.