Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 cup chopped onion or other allium (leeks, shallots, scallions)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 3 cloves)
3/4 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (or 2 to 3 sprigs fresh), optional
1 tablespoon tomato paste, optional
1 Parmesan rind (optional), plus finely grated Parmesan for serving
2 cups peeled and diced hard, starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, parsnips, turnips, or squashes
8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, or water
1 to 2 cups quick-cooking vegetables cut into bite-size pieces, such as green beans, broccoli, zucchini, peas, and/or corn
1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or canned chickpeas or other beans or legumes
1 to 2 cups chopped leafy greens, such as spinach, arugula, kale, or Swiss chard
Fresh herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley or basil, for serving
Simple Crostini, for serving
Preparation
In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Season with salt and cook, stirring, until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in oregano or thyme and/or tomato paste or Parmesan rind.
Stir in hard, starchy vegetables and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.
Stir in quick-cooking vegetables. Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes more.
Stir in rice and greens. Heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt as desired.
Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs. Serve with crostini.
