Beet Soup With Greens, Apple Salad and Cilantro-Walnut Pesto

Preparation

1. Step 1

   To make the soup, place beets and broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Drain, reserving broth. When cool enough to handle, slip skins off beets. Set aside 2 beets. Place half of the remaining beets in a food processor. Measure broth and add enough water, if necessary, to make 9 cups. Add half of broth to beets and puree until smooth. Repeat with remaining beets and broth. Combine batches and stir in salt and pepper. Reheat before serving and stir in lemon juice and more salt, if needed.

2. Step 2

   To make the beet greens, heat 1½ teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beet greens and saute for 10 minutes. Add ⅓ cup of water, cover and cook until tender, about 10 minutes more. Coarsely grate the reserved beets and stir into the greens with 1½ teaspoons of oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, pepper and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in the apple, walnut oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, parsley, ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper. Set aside.

4. Step 4

   Place the cilantro, walnuts and ½ cup of olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Add¾ teaspoon of salt and 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice.

5. Step 5

   Place the beet green mixture, the apple mixture, the pesto and the sour cream in separate bowls. Ladle the soup into bowls. Serve, passing the condiments separately.