Baked Vegetable Soup

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Pour oil into a large ovenproof pot (about 6-quart) and arrange potato slices in an even layer over the oil. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Layer in zucchini, leeks, celery, mushrooms, artichoke hearts and 1/4 cup parsley; sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Pour tomatoes over the vegetables and nestle Parmesan rind into them. Add water (the vegetables will not be completely submerged), cover and bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Once boiling, transfer the pot to the oven and bake, covered, until the vegetables are tender, but still firm, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Season with pepper and serve garnished with parsley and Parmesan, if desired.

Tips

Tip: Clean leeks well to be sure they’re grit-free: After slicing, place in a bowl filled with water and swish around to release any sand or soil trapped between the layers. Scoop the leeks out of the bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving any sand or soil behind in the bowl. Drain well. Repeat as needed.