Simple Vegetable Soup

This time of year I like to make a a meal that warms my home and nourishes my body.  Eating cooked soups and stews both helps me to stay grounded and balanced during this busy season but it also insures that I will have healthy food to eat rather than grabbing something on the go.

Here is a basic vegetable soup to start with.

1 chopped leek or onion
3-4 cloves of garlic – minced
4 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups each:
peeled and diced potatoes
chopped carrots
fresh, cut green beans or celery

2 quarts broth (vegetable or chicken)

chopped tomatoes (optional)
1 can of your favorite bean – make sure the can does not have BPA
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves (you can use thyme, dill, or another favorite herb)
salt and pepper to taste

In stock pot heat the oil. Add leaks and garlic with a pinch of salt and cook for 7-8 minutes.
Add carrots, potatoes, and green beans and cook for another 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.
Add the stock and turn up the heat until it comes to a boil. Add tomatoes, beans, salt and pepper and simmer about 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and add parsley and lemon juice.

Enjoy!

I make it a little bit different each time. Think of a good soup or stew like a balanced life and put the things you love in it!

Here are some things I like to add to this soup:
Tamari
Seaweed
Kale
Corn
Peas
Mushrooms
Chicken
Quinoa

Post below and let me know how yours turn out! What did you add?