Vegetable Soup in the Style of Naples: Cianfotta

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized bell peppers
• 1/2 pound ripe tomatoes
• 1 bunch (about 5-6) zucchini flowers
• 1/2 pound (about 4 small) small green hot chili peppers
• 1 medium-sized eggplant
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 baking potatoes, cut into cubes
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch fresh basil, cut into chiffonade
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, to taste

Directions

Clean and cut all the "verdura" (including the bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini blossoms, chili peppers) into 1/2-inch dice. Make sure to do the chili peppers last and clean your knife and cutting board thoroughly after chopping them.

In a 12 to 14-inch saucepan with 3-inch sides, heat the olive oil over a medium-high flame until hot but not smoking. Add the garlic and onion and cool until a light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the potato cubes and cook until light golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes more. Add the rest of the vegetables and let cook until soft, about 15 minutes more.

Begin adding the stock, bit by bit. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve the soup in 4 warmed soup bowls, garnished with basil. Add some Parmigiano-Reggiano, to taste, if desired.