Warm Up Your Evening With This Rich and Cozy Vegetable Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there is nothing quite like a warm and inviting pot of rich vegetable soup. The following recipe combines leeks, delicata squash, carrots, and potatoes with aromatic herbs. It is a simple dish to prepare, filled with the aromas of rosemary and parsley, making it just right for a cozy dinner alongside crusty bread.

Ingredients for the Soup

• 1 delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 medium Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 3 medium carrots, cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces

• 1 pound leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, washed well, and sliced

• 4 dinosaur kale leaves, stems finely chopped and leaves torn

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped

• Stems from a bunch of fresh parsley

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• 2 cups water

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 extra virgin olive oil

• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced leeks, finely chopped kale stems, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes until the vegetables soften.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped rosemary, continuing to cook for another minute.

4. Pour in the vegetable stock, water, and apple cider vinegar. Add the carrots, potatoes, delicata squash, the bundle of parsley stems, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt.

5. Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 35 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are completely tender.

6. Remove the lid and fish out the parsley stems.

7. Stir in the torn kale leaves, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated cheese if desired.