Green Olive Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups of your favorite green olives (i.e. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Greek) soaked in water for 10-15 minutes, drained, and chopped (note: the addition of kalamata olives adds flavor and complexity, however, too many can alter the color of your soup)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup Chardonnay or 1/4 cup Dry Sherry

DIRECTIONS:

In a large saucepan, saute the onions, garlic, and olive in the olive oil until the onions are transparent. Puree with 1 cup of stock.

Heat oil in the saucepan and stir in flour and red pepper, cooking into a roux. Whisk in remaining stock, and then pour in the puree. Bring to a slow boil, let thicken, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in cream and pepper; bring back to a boil, then simmer 5 more minutes. Add wine or sherry and cook for an additional minute. Garnish with extra virgin olive oil and/or finely chopped green olives.

Pair with Hickman Family Vineyards Chardonnay