Herb Day.....

Lovage, or "Love Parsley," looks like a large celery plant and has a similar flavor. Six foot stalks are topped by clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in summer. The hollow stems are used like celery; seeds are used whole or crushed on breads or meats. I have been told that Lovage can be used to make pesto but my use has been in fresh tomato soup! Our Lovage plant almost qualifies as a shade tree! I had to cut the plant back today because it was over growing the area it is planted.
Celery like appearance....smells alike, too!
Garden Fresh Tomato Soup

8 large ripe Roma Tomatoes

Salt and freshly ground pepper

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Lovage.

1 fennel bulb

1 small garden onion chopped fine

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups chicken broth

Wash tomatoes, discard stem and chop up into fine chunks. I don’t remove the seeds or skin.

Sauté the Lovage, fennel, garlic and onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Add two cups chicken broth, salt and fresh ground pepper. Add chopped tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes.

Transfer into blender and puree. Pour back into pan and reheat. Serve with parmesan cheese sprinkled liberally on top.

Makes 6 servings.