BOOST YOUR BRAIN POWER WITH WINTER GREEN SOUP

This delicious winter green soup recipe is full of brain boosting B vitamins, which help circulation and may reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. It's a smooth puree with a rustic flavour, blending kale, baby spinach, and zucchini with sauteed leek, celery and garlic. Enjoy!

WINTER GREEN SOUP

Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

200 g (1) large leek, sliced, cleaned, white parts only

100 g (1) celery stalk, cut into large chunks

(1) garlic clove, peeled

(1 Tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil, optional

720 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth

180 g (2) tomatoes, quartered

120 g (4 cups) kale

250 g (1) medium zucchini, halved

(¼ teaspoon) sea salt, optional

(¼ teaspoon) ground black pepper

90 g (3 cups) baby spinach

15 g (¼ cup) Italian flat leaf parsley

(1½ Tablespoon) red wine vinegar

Method

1. In a large saucepan, sauté leeks, celery, and garlic in oil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, kale, zucchini, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered, 5 minutes, stirring once. Remove from heat and let cool 30 minutes.

2. Place half of the mixture into the Vitamix container and secure the lid.

3. Start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed. Blend for 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat with the second batch.

4. After blending, remove lid and add in fresh spinach, parsley and vinegar. Secure the lid.

Select Variable 6. Pulse 5 times. Serve immediately.

Chefs note: Garnish with diced tomatoes and fresh herbs..

Recipe provided by Vitamix,