green squash soup

1 medium leek, preferably organic
1 pound summer squash, such as zucchini, preferably organic
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
2 tablespoons artichoke purée

GARNISH
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Remove the root end and green top part of the leek. Wash the white part of the leek well to remove any dirt, then chop it into fine pieces. Wash and trim the squash and chop it into medium-sized pieces.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and sauté it until it is translucent. Add the squash and sauté, stirring, until the squash softens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the stock and marjoram, heat to boiling, cover, reduce heat, and boil gently for 30 minutes. Add the artichoke purée and mix well.

Pour the soup into a food processor and process into a coarse purée. Serve the soup in warm bowls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to garnish.

give credit: the healthy kitchen