While at its base, this is a leek and potato soup, Lisa Donohue, of the Thrive Center in Wallingford, has enhanced the Smokey House Center’s recipe with a whole variety of seasonal, local vegetables – you know, those you might acquire from your CSA and don’t know how to possibly use them all.
Lisa Donahue’s CSA Standby Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 leeks, washed and thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 1/4 lbs potatoes
- 2 parsnips, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or veg stock (use water if no stock is available)
- 1/2 cup cream (optional)
- any of the following for garnishing: sauteed bacon, corn, sour cream, chopped shiitake mushrooms, fresh chives, or herbs
Instructions
- 1. Heat the oil and butter in a large pot and add the leek and celery. Cook, covered, over moderate heat for 5 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.
- 2. Add the potato, parsnip, carrots, and stock to the pan. Cover and bring to a boil. Tilt lid, so the pot is partially covered and cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 3. Optional: Puree either with an immersion blender or cool slightly and transfer to a stand blender or food processor, blending in batches until smooth.
- 4. To serve hot, return the soup to the pot to reheat and stir in the cream if using. To serve cold, chill after blending, and add the cream just before serving if desired. Top with chives, bacon, corn, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
- Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite veggies!
- Adapted from the Smokey House Center in Danby, VT