Jamie and I have recently decided that we wanted to have less meat on the menu, at least 3 days a week are veg-only meals. There are so many wonderful vegetarian meals out there but as it is winter and getting seriously chilly in the evenings, I have been looking for soups that are quick, easy and satisfying and this one is a winner. There is so little that is needed to make this belly warming treat and it is fast and cheap to make. It takes about 3 minutes to prepare the vegetables and stock, only 10 to 15 mins to simmer and blend and it is done. 20 minutes of magic and a warm, healthy and vegetarian meal is served.

What you will need:

• 2 leeks
• 1 onion (I prefer red onion but have used white as well.)
• 8 to 10 oz of white potatoes
• 2 pints of vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• *** optional*** creme fraiche (sour cream may work as a substitute)
• 1 pot
• blender (I prefer my stick blender.)

• Chop the leeks. It doesn’t need to be perfect because they are getting blended.
• Peel and chop the potatoes and onion. Again, rough cut doesn’t matter.
• Heat the oil in the pot and add all vegetables. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes making sure you don’t burn them.

Chopped veggies

• Next, add the 2 pints of vegetable stock and bring the soup to a nice simmer. Cover and leave to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

Simmer away!

• Remove the soup from the heat and let it stand for a minute or two, or until you are confident that you will not get scalded. I usually can’t wait and just blend right away with extreme caution.
• Using the blender, make sure you blend until completely smooth and creamy. The soup can be done at this point just season to taste. I never salt as I think the soup is salty enough with the stock. The first batch I ever made I added salt to the pot and it was WAY TO SALTY!
• The optional choice, and my preferred preparation way,  is to return the soup to the heat and add in 150 ml of creme fraiche. Blend it thoroughly with a whisk until it is completely smooth and reheated. This adds a little extra creaminess to the soup.

Yum Yum... warm soup and freshly baked bread.

• Last thing to do is serve with some freshly baked bread,  your own if you are confident, and tuck in.  If you want a quick and easy bread recipe try this classic soda bread. I modify this with 200ml plain yoghurt and 200ml milk and then add a good squeeze of honey to it. The rest stays the same. It is sticky so keep the flour handy and it is a fast kneading process… really fast no rise time needed. Excellent! Try it.

So now that your delicious soup is ready and your warm bread is covered in melted butter go get warmed up from the inside. Let me know what you think and if you change anything. Also, feel free to share some of your favorite belly warming winter soup recipes. Enjoy! x heather