I have been obsessed with making soups lately. I guess that is just an inherent to-do that comes with the changing of the seasons. I want to get in my cozy sweater and slippers and slurp something warm. This soup does just that. Its got just a tiny mild amount of spice to warm you up. The warm flavors, the creaminess from the potatoes, and just a hint of protein and richness from the chicken. It was so simple to make, and so simple to devour. I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients: 
1 tablespoon olive oil 
1 leek, diced
1 onion, diced
salt and pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp curry
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp lavender
4 cans stock 
2 carrots, diced
3 pound bag red potatoes
1 chicken breast, grilled or baked, then cut into 1/4 inch cubes

Directions: 
Warm your oil in a large dutch oven pot, leek, onion, salt and pepper and saute until softened. Add your garlic and cook for 30-60 more seconds. Then add your curry, turmeric, lavender, and stir until fragrant. Add in your stock, then your carrots and potatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce to medium heat and simmer until your potatoes are fork tender. Use an imersion blender until you have reached your desired smoothness. Add your chicken to the soup and stir until warmed through. Serve with bread or pita chips for dipping. 

This soup has a warm creamy vibe with just a slight hint of spices. It is the perfect way to cozy up this fall. 

This soup is lovely vegan option verses your traditional bacon laced leek and potato soup. You make up for the lack of bacon with the lovely spices, especially the warm taste of turmeric. It's filling due to the potatoes, but the richness in this soup is surprisingly virtually fat free. This is a delicious healthy fall soup that will warm your belly whenever there is a chill in the air. 

Ingredients: 
1 tablespoon butter
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 leek, diced
1.5 tsp lavender herbs de provence (found here) 
1 tsp tumeric
1 large onion diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped
4 red potatoes, cut into 1 inch squares
1 sweet potato, cut into 1 inch squares
2 cans broth
1/3 cup water
Salt and pepper

Directions: 
Saute your onions, garlic, leeks, and celery (with salt and pepper) in your butter until softened (about 4-5 minutes). Then add your turmeric and herbs de provence and stir until mixed. Throw in the rest of your ingredients (carrots, potatoes, broth, water, etc) and season additionally with salt and pepper as needed. When the potatoes are fork tender, use your emersion blender until you reach the desired smooth consistency that you prefer. Serve with bread for dipping. 

Enjoy!

This recipe is perfect for those households that are divided when it comes to spice. My husband really enjoys a spicy meal, while I on the other hand can't stand the heat, literally. This dish itself has a wonderful almost spicy flavor from the turmeric, so for me and my mild loving tastebuds, its perfect. But when paired with your favorite hot sauce, it will blow your britches off. Plus it's extremely low fat and full of protein and veggies. So not only is it super tasty, but its good for you too!

Ingredients: 
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes 
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cups frozen peas
20 shrimp, thawed, tails removed
1 1/2 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and Pepper

Cook your rice in the rice cooker with 1 tablespoon of butter added. Heat your oil in a large sauté pan. Add your onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper, and cook until soft and tender. Add your turmeric and garlic and stir for 30 seconds until combined. Add your can of tomatoes (juice included), shrimp, and salt and pepper. Simmer until your shrimp are pink and cooked through. Add your cilantro and frozen peas and simmer until peas are warmed through. Mix together with your cooked rice and season again with salt and pepper as needed. Serve with cholula or siracha sauce. 

I hope you enjoy this full of flavor colorful and healthy rice dish - no matter how spicy you choose to make it!