Farmer’s Market Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Name: Farmer’s Market Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Yield: makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 celery stalks, split lengthwise and sliced in 1/4-inch slices; 1 carrot, split lengthwise and sliced in 1/4-inch slices; 2 leeks, split lengthwise, washed, and sliced; 6 cups skimmed Chicken Stock (p. 206); 1-2 cups fresh tomato puree made by blending and straining chopped ripe tomatoes or canned or boxed chopped tomatoes, optional; Bouquet Garni (p. 145); Salt and pepper; 1 yellow squash, cut lengthwise into quarters and sliced 1/4 inch thick; 1/4 pound blanched green beans, cut in 1/2-inch pieces; 2 cups chopped escarole, chard, or kale, optional; 1 cup cooked noodles or diced boiled potatoes, optional; The meat from 2 poached boneless chicken breast halves, diced or shredded (about 2 cups), optional; 1 tablespoon chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as tarragon, chives, basil, and/or dill; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

December 14, 2011

The Crescent City Farmer’s Market has had a huge impact on the quality of cooking and eating in New Orleans, and on my own life as well. Over the years it has grown from one location where you could get only bell peppers and tomatoes, one day a week, to four bustling locations (open four days a week) where you can buy anything from Creole cream cheese to colorful varieties of eggplant and Swiss chard, lemongrass, Thai basil, soft-shell crabs, tamales, hibiscus flowers, sweet potato pies, and mayhaw jelly! Happily, post-Katrina, the farmers are back, and this vital part of the community is still up and running. My only complaint is that I can’t just run in and grab what I need in a hurry. When I go, I spend at least an hour perusing produce, catching up with farmers, and socializing with all the other shoppers and chefs I know. The market is a modern-day village green. Of course, this is also what I love about it. If you’re lucky enough to have a real farmer’s market in your area (they’re sprouting up everywhere), be sure to seek it out. It’s bound to have the makings for this soothing and delicious chicken and vegetable soup, among other satisfying meals. Feel free to substitute local seasonal vegetables for any of the ones listed here.

Recipe notes