At last we learn what to do with the carrot tops. Here is a recipe in which you can use these tops. This is a delightful coincidence. My friend, Mary Holmes, board president of Innovative Farmers of Ohio, told me and some friends about the wonderful soup she had made and then surprised us all by telling us that she used carrot top. We were puzzled until she told us to check Deborah Madison’s book, Local Flavors. Deborah who is a friend of mine is a great advocate of local foods-- here is her recipe with some modifications.
Pluck the lacy leaves of the carrot tops. Peel and finely chop the carrots.
Melt the butter in a heavy bottom soup pot. Add the carrots, the carrot leaves, the rice, the chopped leeks or onion and the thyme. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes stirring often to avoid burning. Add the stock, and raise the heat to medium high. Cook until the carrots and the rice are completely cooked.
Season the soup with salt and pepper. Serve in warm bowls and garnish with minced parsley or celery leaves.
If you want to create a more refined soup you can puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Serve with a tablespoon of cream drizzled on top and a garnish of minced parsley.