Harvest Root Soup

I love when the season changes and I feel the first crisp day of fall.  As if some innate switch is turned on inside me and I want to harvest.  I love this recipe because you can be creative.  It is warming and rich in root flavors.  Use the roots that you have in your fridge or from your local farmers market.  Add different herbs to your taste such as basil, rosemary, sage or summer savory.  If you have roasted chicken on hand, shred it and throw it in when you add your broth.  If you need an extra immune boost, dice fresh garlic directly into your bowl.  Garlic is naturally antibacterial and antiviral and more so in the raw form.  Roots are rich in vitamins and minerals,  which are important for a healthy immune system needed during the cold and flu season.  Leave the peel on the yam, sweet potato, parsnip and carrots if they are organic for extra fiber.

Enjoy!

Serves: 8

3 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped into ½ inch pieces
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into ½ inch pieces
1 large yam, chopped into 1 inch pieces
1 sweet potato, chopped into 1 inch pieces
2 cups celeriac or celery chopped into ¼ inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped
5 large cloves of garlic, diced
¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, minced
1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dry marjoram
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 cups organic vegetable or chicken broth or water
sea salt to taste
fresh ground pepper to taste

garnish with fresh chopped kale, beet, collard or Swiss chard greens

1. Pour olive oil into a large soup pot over medium heat.  Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add the parsnips, carrots, yam, sweet potato, celery and herbs to the pot and sauté for 10 minutes.
3. Add the broth, sea salt and pepper to the pot.  Stir until all ingredients are well blended then cover the pot, lower the heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
4. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped greens just before serving.