Finding inspiration during these very stressful times is sometimes just asking too much when even finding comfort is a challenge. The most we can hope for some days is something to eat that is easy to prepare and provides solace. This is Spring Vegetable Soup.
Spring Vegetable Soup features a blend of fresh spring vegetables tumbled in broth with a few slugs of cream. It is a quick and easy weeknight dish that satisfies our cravings…really our need…for something warm and filling on these chilly and very uncertain Spring days.
I like to think, particularly during this strange time, that in every humble bowl of soup there is opportunity, even some promise. Fresh spring vegetables gently meld together in this Spring Vegetable Soup to bring satisfying warmth and spoonfuls of vitamins and minerals.
While all of this is lovely, if I am honest, Spring Vegetable Soup is also the best way to clear out a vegetable drawer at the end of the week. It is surprisingly filling and easy to make when inspiration may be a bit lacking.
As with almost all soups, Spring Vegetable Soup is adaptable depending on the vegetables available. I always start with onions and/or leeks or shallots, and carrots. Then, I add something green. This week it is a bunch of kale left in the bin but last week it was broccoli. Spinach is an excellent addition, as are ramps, if you can find them.
Ramps are in season for a very brief time in the spring. If you can find a bunch, they would be terrific in this soup. I’ve never seen ramps in the grocery store. They are most often found all around us just as the leaves on the trees turn green and the first spring wildflowers scatter everywhere. We found fields of ramps while walking through the woods. They love the damp mossy shaded clearings in forested areas.
Most farmers markets in this area have ramps available for a few weeks. Ramps have a small white root and beautiful green leaves with a very mild flavor that is a cross between a scallion and garlic. Just cut off the scallion-like root ends and use the entire plant in your dishes. For this Spring Vegetable Soup, sauté the white root with the onions and roughly chop the greens to add with the other greens.
Once all the vegetables simmer in broth for a bit to soften, a few rounds with a hand-held immersion blender provides a hearty texture. A traditional blender is fine but I find transferring hot soup from pot to blender tedious….and sometimes a little dangerous if I’m not careful. Also, I don’t want a silky texture for this soup. I think it is best with some heft and a bit unfinished.
I also like adding fresh whole milk or cream for extra warmth if the weather is chilly but Spring Vegetable Soup is just as satisfying blended in its own broth. The best thing is that this soup is ready in about 20 minutes.
Spring Vegetable Soup is not fancy and, although some might argue otherwise, it’s not for company, especially these days. This soup is for our family and hits just the right note. With its rough edges and imperfections, its nimble nature and its warmth, Spring Vegetable Soup offers us the comfort we all need right now.
Hope this spring finds you and your families safe and healthy.
xo,
Lisa
Resources for Spring Vegetables from DC-Area Farmers Markets
Local farms and the farmers markets have done a remarkable job finding safe ways to reach out to the community to share the freshest spring vegetables and farmers market favorites. They need your support now more than ever.
FreshFarm offers an awesome round up of different farmers markets options in the DC metropolitan area to order farm fresh favorites for delivery or safe pick up. It also includes many ways you can support your local food banks and small farms.
Leesburg Farmers Market is accepting pre-orders for pickup and offers in-person orders during its market on Saturdays from 9 a.m to 12 pm.
EatLoco also has a list of options for ordering ahead at local farmers markets in Northern Virginia.
Great Falls Farmers Market has several vendors that will take orders in advance for pick up or will help select items for you to purchase at the market on Saturdays in the Great Falls Village from 9 am to 1 pm.
Shenandoah Seasonal is a small family farm in Boyce, VA. If you feel like a beautiful drive to the country (just outside Leesburg), Shenandoah Seasonal packs the freshest vegetables picked that week into bags available for preorder and pickup at their farm stand.
VA Foodie has a terrific list of ways to support local farms, farmers markets, food pantries and local restaurants throughout Virginia.
*For all your in-person visits, all markets ask that you please wear a mask and understand that they cannot allow any handling of the produce. Trust your farmers to pick the best for you. Please also keep your distance the recommended 6 feet from others. Check farmers market websites for exact details.
Fresh Vegetable Resources Nationwide
If there are no farmers market options close to you, The Kitchn has a terrific list of resources available for ordering farm vegetables for delivery nationwide.
Family and Forks Spotify Playlist
Here is a playlist that we find ourselves listening to this spring.
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