MIXED VEGETABLE POTAGE

Steps:

• In a tall stockpot, bring all the ingredients, except the salt, pepper and butter, to a boil. Lower the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until each of the vegetables is easily pierced with the tip of a knife.
• Pass the soup through the medium disk of a food mill, or skim the vegetables out of the liquid, and pulse them to a coarse puree in a food processor. If using a food processor, recombine the vegetables and the liquid. Season with salt and pepper. The soup may be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Bring to a simmer. If desired, stir a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of the butter into every portion just before serving.