It’s that time of year again! Soup time. During these cooler days we love to enjoy a nice, warm bowl of nourishing soup. For this recipe I use parsnips in addition to the potatoes for increased flavor and nutrition. I received great feedback from our customers. Another winner!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks, chopped (wash thoroughly before and after chopping to remove dirt)
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
3–4 medium potatoes, chopped (peel, if desired)
1–2 parsnips, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary leaves (or ½ teaspoon fresh chopped)
4 cups water
2 vegetable bouillon cubes (or to taste)

Heat oil in a medium-size pot over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté for a few minutes. Add garlic and cook until leeks soften. Add potatoes, parsnips, celery, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Cook for about 10 minutes, then add water and bouillon. Bring to a boil, then cook on high heat. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes and parsnips are fork tender. Transfer soup to a blender. Make sure to leave the lid partially open to release the heat of the soup when blending. Begin to blend on a low speed, gradually increasing until mixture is thoroughly blended and smooth. Transfer back into pot and cook for another 5–10 minutes. Add more water, if soup is too thick. Serve warm or hot. Serves 6–8.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF POTATOES

Experts tell us that potatoes are not only tasty additions to your diet but carry enormous health benefits as well. Nutritionists at the National Institutes of Health report that potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals that protect against cancer and promote heart-health. What does this mean to family dinner time? Plenty.

Check out these Top 5 Health Benefits of Eating Potatoes. Potatoes are not only delicious but important, healthy additions to your daily diet.

1. Eating potatoes can reduce inflammation. How? Potatoes are wholesome, nightshade vegetables, loaded with carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and Vitamin C. Because of the fiber in potatoes, they are soft and easily digested. The Vitamin C in potatoes make them great antioxidants which repair cells in the body. Potatoes can relieve inflammation in the intestines and digestive track. Raw potatoes can also be mashed and applied to relieve external burns, inflammation, and so forth.
2. Eating potatoes can increase brain function. The brain or nerve center of your body relies on several things to function, including balanced glucose levels, oxygen, Vitamin B complex, amino acids, Omega-3 and other fatty acids, among others. Potatoes contain these elements and so much more to keep your brain performing as it should.
3. Eating potatoes can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and Vitamins C and B-complex. These properties help fight heart disease and keep blood pressure at normal levels. Potatoes also contain carotenoids, key to heart health and overall health and wellness.
4. Potatoes may offset incidence of kidney stones. There are an increasing number of studies that indicate that potatoes may have protective health benefits. For example, potatoes are rich sources of magnesium which can offset the accumulation of calcium in the kidney.
5. Potatoes advance skin care. Potatoes have all the right stuff to optimize health and wellness. Potatoes contain Vitamins C and B-complex, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, all excellent vitamins and minerals for your skin. Raw potatoes can be mashed and mixed with honey to make a masque for your skin. Raw potatoes can also be applied to burns and rashes to ease the swelling and pain.

The good news? Potatoes aren’t just about carbs anymore. Indeed, there’s growing evidence that potatoes may be among the most healthful vegetables around. Of course, it’s best to bake a potato to get its full health benefits. You’ll also need to limit the number of potatoes eaten with each meal, particularly if you are overweight or diabetic. Finally, it’s important to check with your doctor, nutritionist and other health care professionals about ways to appropriately integrate potatoes into your daily diet and routine.