Vegetable Soup with Sweet Basil Recipe

Directions:

1. Cut the leeks, potato, onion, celery, zucchini, green beans, and carrots into 1/4-inch dice.
2. In a 6-quart stockpot, combine 3 tablespoons of the olive oil with the water. Add the vegetables and saute over medium-low heat until all the water evaporates. Do not brown the vegetables.
3. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Cook at a gentle boil for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, put the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Pulse until pureed.
5. Stir the puree into the cooked soup. Do not let the soup return to a boil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot or cold from a tureen or in individual bowls.