dina nicola.

it’s true, soup is filling, low-fat and healthy for you.

for all those suffering from cold season or snowy weather conditions, this comforting, healing, warming soup is especially for you. freeze it, eat it, share it, but most importantly, enjoy it!  

healing vegetable soup
grocery list:
2 tbsp olive oil 
½ medium yellow onion, diced
1 leek, sliced, white part only
1 fennel bulb, diced, green and white parts
1 - 2 tbsp ground chili paste, depending on spice preference
1 ½ tbsp sea salt
11 cups of water or vegetable broth
3 celery stalks, sliced
4 carrots, sliced
1 medium red skin potato, diced
2 bay leaves
1 cup broccoli florets
1 bok choy, sliced
1 head dinosaur kale, de-stemmed and chopped into bite sized pieces
1 avocado, diced
herbs for garnish, parsley or cilantro, (optional)

in a large dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat.  add in onion, leek, fennel and ½ tsp of sea salt. saute for 5 minutes then add in chili paste. saute for a couple more minutes. add water, celery, carrots, potato, bay leaves and remaining sea salt to pot and bring to a boil.  lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. then add in broccoli, bok choy and kale and cook for another 5 minutes. ladle soup into bowls, and top with ¼ of avocado and garnish with herbs.

this recipe is also great with the addition of a grain or legume. my favorite is farro which adds a nutty flavor and texture to this delectable soup. buon appetito!