With the cold weather here, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm bowl of hearty soup. Try this easy recipe for a slightly sweet tasting soup that is high in fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, folate, manganese, iron and magnesium, but low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol .

Parsnip and Leek Soup

Crouton Ingredients
*    1/3 cup olive oil
*    3 or 4 slices of bread (millet, sunflower flax, rice), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Soup Ingredients
*    2 Tbs. olive oil
*    3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts only (from 2 to 3 large leeks),
rinsed and drained
*    1 tsp. coarse salt; more to taste
*    1 lb. parsnips, peeled, quartered, and cut into 1-inch pieces
*    6 cups homemade or reduced sodium organic chicken broth (Pacific Brand or
Trader Joe’s)
*    3 sprigs fresh thyme
*    2 small bay leaves, broken in half
*    1/2 tsp. white peppercorns, lightly crushed
*    2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme, for garnish

Directions:
1. Make the croutons—Toss bread cubes in  the 1/3 cup oil bake in 400 ° oven until golden on all sides.
2. Make the soup—Heat the 2 Tbs. oil in a wide soup pot over medium heat. Add the leeks, season lightly with salt, and cook gently until the leeks have softened and just begin to turn golden, 8 to 10 min. Add the parsnips and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the parsnips are fragrant, about 2 min. Add the broth. Tie the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and peppercorns together in a cheesecloth sachet and toss it into the pot.
3. Partially cover the pot, bring to a boil, immediately lower the heat, and simmer partially covered until the parsnips are soft enough to mash against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat and let cool for about 5 minutes. Discard the sachet. Using a stand or hand blender, purée the soup in batches, being sure to combine a mix of broth and solids in each batch.
4. Rinse the soup pot, return the blended soup to the pot, taste, and adjust the seasonings. Garnish each bowl with croutons and a pinch of fresh thyme.

Yield: 6-8 sevings