RECIPE: Carrot Top Soup

INGREDIENTS - 6 small to medium carrots with tops and roots - 2 tablespoons butter - 3 tablespoons white rice - 2 large leeks, white parts only - 2 thyme or lemon thyme sprigs - 2 tablespoons chopped dill, parsley, or celery leaves - salt and freshly ground pepper - 6 cups vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water

PREPARATION Pull or pluck the lacy leaves of the carrot greens off their stems. You should have between 2-3 cups, loosely packed. Wash, then chop finely. Grate the carrots or, if you want a more refined-looking soup, finely chop them. Melt the butter in a soup pot. Add the carrot tops and carrots, rice, leeks, thyme, and dill. Cook for several minutes, turning everything a few times, then season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and add the stock. Bring to the boil and simmer until the rice is cooked, 16-18 minutes. Taste for salt, season with pepper, and serve.