Green Soup!

The last month I have been bursting at the fridge seams with greens, potatoes and more greens; you name it it might be on the verge of bad soon....soups are the one of my favorite ways of wasting nothing and eating everything! 

You can ditch your multi Vitamin after eating this, there is lots of garlic and greens to satisfy any winter sniffle!

Green Soup

4 Cloves Garlic 

2 Leeks (white and light green parts)

1 Head Broccoli

1 Bunch Broccoli Rabe

1 Bunch Spinach

1 Potato peeled and cubed

1 T Butter

1/4 C. Soy Milk (or whatever you have)

1 tsp Cumin Seeds

S&P

1-2 T. of fresh chopped herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram, sage) whatever you have

2-3 C. Hot Water (just turn on your tea kettle before you start)

Step 0: Chop and rinse your leeks, these guys hold dirt in all sorts of places so make sure to get them clean! Make sure to leave the colander in the sink you will be using it a bunch (pun intended).

Step 1: In big pot start melting butter on low heat, then add the leeks, S&P (generous amounts) and Cumin Seeds. Once the leeks are soft and sweaty add 3 cloves of the chopped garlic, keep going for another 5 min. but don't burn!

Step 2: Chop Broccoli stems and florets and broccoli rabe stems into 1" chunks, throw in colander and rinse-add to the pot, throw in the chopped potato as well- Cook down till stems are soft and emitting juices. This will take a bit but be patient and throw on a lid.

the reason we are not really drying is to add some additional moisture into the vegetable without actually adding water at this point, it helps aid in the steaming and softening. 

 Step 3: Once all is soft add the broccoli rabe leaves and spinach that has been roughly chopped and rinsed to the pot. At this point add about 1 C. of hot water and let the leaves wilt. Once they are wilted add more water till it is about 1" higher than the vegetables. Let Simmer for about 15-20 min. (you can work on other things for dinner or just read a book. Remove from heat and let it cool down for a bit...you don't want it to explode while you puree it.

Step 4: Put the green mess into a blending device and let it roll, you might need to add a bit of extra warm water to thin it out if it is a little thick. At this point add the fresh herbs and 1 clove of chopped raw garlic, and S&P to taste.

 when it is to a consistency you like put it back in the pot, add the milk and a small pat of butter for additional richness, it's not really needed but it adds a little more body. Reheat before you serve.

Step 5: Make some croutons with stale bread, chop dust in EVOO and sprinkle with herbs and S&P, place on a baking sheet and cook on 300˚ for 15 min. 

yummmmmy!