Last night I received a vegan recipe from my dear friends, David and Victoria, at the Halau in Lakebay, Washington.   It looked so yummy and warm, I just had to share it with everyone.  Thanks so much for sharing this ridiculously good and simple soup!  Just in time for the cold weather!

Cook:

VEGAN POTATO LEEK SOUP

6 tennis ball sized white potatoes (or any equivalent in size and color), washed but not peeled, and diced
2 large leeks, both white and most of the green parts
1/2 yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3 Tablespoons white wine, if you have some
1/2 tsp thyme (fresh would be better)
1/2 tsp rosemary (fresh would be better)
4 cups vegan bouillon (that’s 4 cups of hot water with 2 cubes dissolved in it)
2 cups water
1 tsp salt, or to taste
fresh black pepper to taste
1 cup plain soy milk (make sure it is truly plain!)

Rinse the leeks and slice them thinly. Dice the potatoes. Heat the oil in your large stockpot, saute the leeks for a few minutes. Add the wine if you have it. Saute the potatoes (take care they don’t stick) and onion and garlic.

Add the bouillon, water, salt and herbs. Simmer until the potatoes are very soft, about 20 minutes. Add the pepper.

Use your stick blender to blend it, or a countertop blender. Stir in the soy milk.

Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Yum!!!

Plant:

Leeks, a great source of folate, antioxidants and vitamins A and K, aren’t just good for you – did you know that they are also super easy to grow in most any climate?  Start with a clear, large, deep plastic container with a lid (I like to use those plastic tubs salad greens come in), fill with an inch of soil on the bottom, sprinkle the leek seeds over the top of the soil, then sprinkle on a little more soil.  Using a spray bottle on the mist setting, spray the soil evenly until just wet.  Poke holes in the lid of the plastic container and place on top.  Place the container in a warm spot.  I like the top of the refrigerator for this because the refrigerator emits a little bit of heat and just happens to have a light over it.  A sunny window is a great location too.  Spray the seeds, lightly but evenly, 2-3 times daily until seedlings emerge.  At this point, leave a corner of the plastic container open and continue spaying until around 2 inches tall.  Carefully thin out and plant leeks in ground or containers as desired.

Meditate:

I would love to offer you some great meditations here but I’m going to defer to the real experts at the Halau to help you out.  Visit them on line at www.spreadaloha.org or stop by the sanctuary for a class or in-person meditation soon!

Eat Well!

~Trish