Good For Your Soul Soup

Start your holiday meal out on the right foot with this warm vegetable soup with homemade gluten free croutons.

Ingredients:

• 1 washed leek with roots discarded, cut width-wise into 1-inch long pieces
• 1 washed white onion, sliced
• 3 washed red potatoes
• 1 cup washed baby carrots
• 1 washed Italian squash, cut width-wise into 1-inch long pieces
• 4 cups vegetable broth. (I used this one.)
• 2 slices gluten free brown rice bread, diced. (You can try my go-to Food For Life loaf, sold at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon washed parsley, minced
• sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Serves 6.

Directions:

1. In a large pot over the stove, combine broth and vegetable ingredients and cover.
2. Let liquid and vegetables cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.
3. While the soup is brewing, lightly pat the bread pieces with olive oil, and place on an oven tray under the broiler for 5-6 minutes to make your croutons.
4. Sprinkle croutons, parsley, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper on soup, and distribute to guests.  What are you planning to serve after the soup? Healthy, hearty, and happy holidays!