FOR THE SOUP
FOR THE NUTS
I love to top this soup with salty, toasted walnuts, hazelnuts or pine nuts sprinkled over top. To do this, just add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet over medium heat (lightly coat the bottom of the pan). Add the nuts of your choice, season well with salt, and toast (stirring frequently) for a few minutes until golden and fragrant. Walnuts and hazelnuts will take a little longer than pine nuts. The oil isn’t necessary, but it lends great flavor and helps the salt adhere to the nuts, creating an addictively tasty, crunchy topping for the soup.
NOTE: sun dried tomato spread is widely available but if you can’t find it, just use ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (drained) finely chopped. You can also process them in a food processor until they’re smooth and creamy. Either way works!