Potato Leek Soup: (gluten-free; can be made vegan or with meat)

As we head out of wintertime and into springtime, this is the perfect time to eat foods that re-line the gut flora. This delicious prebiotic packed soup will nourish your intestinal lining for good digestion and support the immune system. I’ve been enjoying a cup of this soup a day. My Stomach, Spleen and Intestines are loving the nourishment as the leeks, garlic and onion fertilize the intestinal tract with good gut microbiota.

Ingredients:

• 2-4 tbsp EVOO
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 3 leeks, sliced and diced (Tip: cut the thick green tops off and the edge of the bottom, cut lengthwise as this is where dirt can be hiding, then rinse and dice.)
• 3-4 ribs celery, chopped
• 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1.5-2lbs yukon gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4-5 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
• Bunch of fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp dried thyme
• Sea salt
• Freshly cracked pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne or red chili flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)

Optional: For more protein: add navy beans or cannellini beans or bacon broken up or cut up sausage or pulled chicken

Directions:
1. Heat EVOO in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for about 5-10minutes, season with salt (approximately ½ to 1 tspn), stirring occasionally. Add the leeks, celery and minced garlic. Saute vegetables for another 5 minutes, stirring more frequently, add another ½ tsp to 1 tsp. 

2.a. If using white wine, add and deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to lift up any browning pieces from the bottom of the stockpot. 

2.b. Add potatoes, vegetable stock, thyme, bay leaves, cayenne or chile flakes. Stir to combine. 

3. Bring stock to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. 

4. Remove and discard bay leaves, fresh thyme stems. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5.a. Serve chunky or puree the soup. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup to a more smoother state. I don’t totally puree the soup, I like it to have some bigger chunks of celery and potato so I do a little immersion.

5.b. Add the protein before serving.