Nourishing Soup for the Soul

Placemat $34.99 (currently part of autumn sale) | Bowl with handles $29.99 (currently.on sale for additional 30% off in-store) | Faux flower stem $12.99

Is there a food more comforting than a good homemade soup? On nights like these, when there is a chill in the air, the sensation of hot soup warming you from the inside out is just the best.

• They’re good for you. Most soups are loaded with nutrients and help to fill your daily quota of veggies.
• They’re cheap. Making soup is a great opportunity to use up vegetables in your fridge that are encroaching their prime. Of course, you can follow recipes, however, a soup made of whatever’s in the fridge is like a choose your own adventure book! Brothy or pureed? Vegetarian or meat? Countless options to choose from.
• They keep you hydrated. In the winter months we tend to drink less water. Soups are a great way to sneak in some extra fluids
• They give your immune system a boost. Most soups are loaded with disease fighting nutrients. A basic mirepoix contains powerful immune boosting chemicals.
• They get better with age. Left over soup is the best soup! After all the ingredients have had time to mingle, the flavour gets even better!

 'Enjoy today' canister with lid $39.99 | Dish towel $19.99 for set of 2

As many of you may recall, cooking is not my strong suit. I have a difficult time executing multiple tasks whilst trying not to overcook something. Soup, however, is my jam! It’s next to impossible to burn, and I love creating a good flavour base by mixing different variations of the five flavours: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.

Elephant Garlic & Onions - Produce Table In-store

I’m going to share my absolute FAVOURITE soup with you, Sweet Potato & Kale Chowder. This soup is so hearty & delicious, and you can feel good about eating it as it’s loaded with superfoods. It’s simple to make and it looks fantastic. We eat with our eyes first, so never underestimate the power of good presentation when it comes to food. And this soup just so happens to look great, without even trying.

I’ve added a vegan alternative to the recipe so it can be enjoyed by all my non-meat-eating friends as well.

Dish towel $19.99 for set of 2

SWEET POTATO & KALE CHOWDER

INGREDIENTS

•    4 ounces diced pancetta/bacon or roasted pepitas         
for topping
•    1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
•    1 sweet onion, diced
•    3 garlic cloves, minced
•    ½ teaspoon salt
•    ½ teaspoon pepper
•    ¼ teaspoon ground sage
•    ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
•    ½ cup chopped carrots
•    3 cups chopped sweet potato, about 1 inch in size
•    5 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
•    ⅓ cup cream, half and half or coconut cream/milk
•    2 cups chopped tuscan kale stems removed

Sweet potatoes & produce - prices vary

INSTRUCTIONS

• (Omit if making vegetarian version) Heat a large pot over medium-low heat and add the pancetta or bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the pancetta is crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel lined plate to remove any excess grease.

• Keep the pot on medium low heat and add the butter/olive oil. Stir in the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, sage and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrots and sweet potato, tossing everything to combine.

• Pour in the chicken/vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce it to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes cubes soften. Stir in the cream/half & half/coconut. Taste the soup and season with additional salt or pepper if needed, but remember we will add the salty pancetta back on top too!

• Stir in the kale and simmer the soup for another 10 minutes or so to soften it.

• Serve with the pancetta/bacon/pepitas for topping.