Potato Leek Soup & Quick Kale Salad

This soup was sort of a random invention the other day. I wanted something warm and hearty to go along with my kale salad. I bought leeks and potatoes and hoped it would turn out well. 

I thought it was great. My kids didn't like it. But then again they don't like much of anything with veggies in it. 

It's simple, easy and quick, believe it or not. The ingredients are minimal but healthy. Instead of using cream, I used cashew milk {blend 1c cashews with 4c water in vitamix - save the rest for breakfast milk}. You can use cream, but you really don't need to because the cashew milk tasted just like it.

Potato Leek Soup Recipe

3 Leeks, chopped in slices, discard large ends
5 medium sized red potatoes
¼c olive or coconut oil
¼c white wine 
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1c cashew milk
2-2.5c water
1tsp salt
2 Tbls veg stock seasoning {photo above}

PARSLEY {optional, as a topping}

In a large pot boil the potatoes in about 8 cups of water until soft, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile in a large saucepan {use clay, please, not teflon} warm oil and wine. Add leeks, garlic and sea salt. Let steam/stir fry for until soft, about 10-15 minutes. 

Add the cashew milk {reaad above for instructions} and veg stock seasoning, so that it dissolves. 

In a high speed blender combine everything. Add water. One cup at a time. You'll want to add water for blending. You can pick your consistency. I liked mine thicker. 

Chop up parsley and use as a garnish. 

Basic Raw Kale Ceviche Salad

1 bunch flat leaf kale, torn, chopped and destemmed
3Tbls olive oil
1 lemon, juice
¼c toasted sesame seeds

In a bowl combine everything but the sesame seeds. Let this salad sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. You don't HAVE to do this, but like with ceviche, the lemon helps to sort of "cook" the kale without having to cook it. 

Add sesame seeds before serving. 

This recipe is great as is or you can add sliced tomatoes, avocado, butter lettuce, fresh HERBS, and so on. Get creative. You can even add rice. 

note: you can throw in some of that chopped parsley you have as well from the soup {above}! I did that. And if you still have parsley leftover, JUICE IT {recipe here}.