Hey guys.. I’m back! Sorry it may have seemed like I fell off the face of the Earth without a word. I have been sick the last week or so, and therefore have not been eating the healthy foods like I normally do, so my blogging content took a nose dive. My diet has been limited to lots of boring buttered toast, oatmeal, and larabars. My energy levels are dragging, and I haven’t even been able to make any of my yoga classes I can’t wait to feel normal again, cuz bumming around in pajamas all day is depressing! At least I have my three little dumplings to keep me company!

Anyway, on a happier note – the weather is finally cooling off! When the leaves start falling and the daylight gets shorter that means its time for soothing warm meals. mmmmm :p

During my down time, I didn’t forget about blogging. Lots of time was spent surfing my favorite vegan blogs for inspiration for the perfect meal to cozy up to. I finally decided on an old favorite ~ a tasty white bean soup that I originally found on Angela‘s blog. I paired the soup with some soft “homemade style” french bread I picked up at the Farmer’s Market.

White Bean Thyme Soup adapted from Oh She Glows

Yield: about 5-6 cups

• 4-5 cups cooked garbanzo beans (or other white beans, such as cannelini/navy)
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped (I used two small)
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped (optional)
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (I used heirloom – yellow, green and orange)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or more to taste)
• 2 cups warm water
• 1-1.5 tsp sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• white pepper, to taste (optional)
• Pinch saffron, (optional but very good)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil

Directions: In a large pot add the oil and cook the onion over medium to low heat for about 5 minutes. Next add your chopped celery and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. Then add the tomatoes, spices, salt, pepper, and garlic. Simmer on low for about 7 minutes. Rinse both cans of beans. Puree 3/4 of your total beans in your food processor. Add the puree, the remaining beans, and the water. Stir well. Cover and simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Taste test so you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Top with a thyme sprig, or fresh basil.

——————————

Because heirloom tomatoes are in season right now and I had some on hand, I chose to use these. If you don’t have any, roma or regular tomatoes will do.

The spices make this soup come to life, so make sure you don’t forget any of them!

I almost forgot the thyme- which is a KEY ingredient. Without the presence of this little herb the soup does NOT taste the same.

Chop up your onion, carrots, and celery…

First saute the onions for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat.  Then add the carrots and celery and sauté for about another 5 minutes.

Then add in your garlic, spices, tomatoes, salt & pepper, cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, stirring often.

While your veggies are cooking, prepare your beans. Rinse and drain. Put about half to 3/4 of your beans in the food processor to puree.  Add puree and the remaining beans to your veggie mixture, along with two cups of warm water. Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Taste test to make sure its seasoned to your liking. Garnish with some fresh basil, or a sprig of thyme.

yummmm *belly warming*

One of my favorite things about soup is having fluffy bakery bread to dip in it

I hope you all are feeling well and enjoying the beginning of fall! Over the next few days as my health allows, I will be back as often as I can with new recipes.

Maybe tomorrow I will go for one of my long walks, feel the crisp air, and bring back some of that energy that has escaped me. I do have a few rotten bananas, that need to be used up! Chocolate chip or pumpkin banana bread recipe on the horizon?! *Crossing fingers*

Goodnight!

xo Jennifer

What are your favorite fall soups? tomato basil soup sounds amazing, that one might be next

What is your favorite thing about fall? I love layering up with scarves, sweaters, and boots and pumpkin spice lattes, soup, blankets, cuddling… haha I could go on forever

What are your favorite meals when you are sick? my childhood favorite was my mom’s chicken noodle soup with saltines and a sprite. how my diet has changed! But I am pretty sure I would still love her soup!:)