Potato, Zucchini and Tomato Stoup – From Rachael Ray

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 Idaho potatoes, peeled and diced

2 small or 1 large zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into half moons

1 can fire-roasted or regular diced tomatoes (28 ounces)

4 cups chicken stock (you can substitute vegetable stock to make this meal vegetarian)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese

1 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS:

Heat a deep pot over medium-high heat with the EVOO. Add the onion, garlic, potatoes and zucchini. Cook until softened, about 7-8 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and chicken stock to the pot and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the soup up to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Taste and re-season.

While the soup is simmering, heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup of the cheese in a small mound to the skillet. Repeat with the remaining cheese, making sure to keep each mound at least a half-inch apart from the others. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a cooling rack.

To serve, ladle the soup into four bowls and top each bowl with a cheese crisp. Garnish with basil.