You are here

Heart-Healthy Soup

To keep your blood homocysteine level within a range that's optimal for cardiovascular health, try including leeks in your weekly menu with this restaurant-quality soup.

Leeks are a good source of both folate and vitamin B-6, both essential to preventing buildup of homocysteine throughout your body.

Leeks also contain antioxidants that enhance blood flow throughout your body, likely through enhanced production of nitric oxide, a natural compound that relaxes blood vessels.

This recipe was inspired by a similar one from the kitchen at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California.- Ben Kim

SAM_2793.jpg

Makes about 4 servings

Ingredients:

5 medium leeks
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 rib celery
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 small bay leaf
Sprig or two of thyme
1 small branch of rosemary
Few sprigs of cilantro or parsley
Extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt

Directions:

1. To prepare leeks, chop off their roots and any coarse, outer green leaves (peel off one outside layer).

SAM_2797.jpg

2. Use a sharp knife to quarter the stalks and chop them into 1/4-inch pieces.

SAM_2800.jpg

3. Wash and soak diced leeks in cold water - let the leeks soak for a good few minutes to allow any dirt that is inside to come out and settle to the bottom of your washing basin.

SAM_2802.jpg

4. Transfer washed leeks to a strainer and let them drain.

SAM_2805.jpg

5. Cook leeks over medium heat in about 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (use your soup pot for this). Don't let the leeks lose their vibrant green color - just cook them to a point where they are still mildly crispy/crunchy.

6. Add sea salt, to taste.

7. Add vegetable or chicken broth.

SAM_2808.jpg

8. Tie celery, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary with a string to create a "bouquet garni" and add this to the mix.

9. Bring everything to a low simmer, then add thinly sliced garlic clove and let simmer for another 20 minutes.

10. Add more sea salt, if necessary, to taste.

SAM_2820.jpg

Serve this savory leek soup with chopped cilantro or parsley as a garnish, and if you don't mind a little flour in your life, enjoy this soup with a slice or two of fresh bread.

As is the case with most soups, leek soup tastes even better with a few slices of creamy avocado on the side.

 
 

Join more than 30,000 readers worldwide who receive Dr. Ben Kim's newsletter

 
 

More Natural Health Resources