4 cooks illustrated vegetable soup Recipes

carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick (about 8 medium), onion, medium halved and sliced 1/2 inch thick, vegetable oil, salt, garlic cloves, minced-pressed through a press (about 1 tbsp), dry white wine, bay leaf, low sodium chicken broth, low sodium vegetable broth, half-and-half, ground black pepper

unsalted butter, leek, white and light green parts halved lengthwise, washed, and chopped small (about 1 cup), garlic cloves, minced-pressed through a press (about 1 tbsp), heads garlic , rinsed-papery skins removed and top third of heads cut off and discarded, low sodium chicken broth or 6 cups vegetable broth, bay leaves, russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 1/2 cups), red bliss potatoes, unpeeled-cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups), low sodium chicken broth or 1 cup vegetable broth, heavy cream, fresh thyme leaves, minced, ground black pepper, fresh chives, minced, olive oil, garlic cloves, sliced thin lengthwise, table salt

extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling, onion, chopped (about 1 cup), garlic cloves, minced-pressed, hot red pepper flakes, bay leaf, whole tomatoes with juice, brown sugar, good-quality white bread, crusts removed , torn into 1-inch pieces, chicken broth or 2 cups vegetable broth, brandy (optional), salt and pepper, fresh chives, chopped