Both my friend and I have been fighting a nasty cold this week, so yesterday I invited her over for some homemade vegetable soup and a movie. I had some nice root vegetables left over from my root veggie salad and on her way over, my friend picked up some vegetable broth and some fresh green chard and leeks and this was all we needed for a good, hearty soup.
It was good that I made a lot of this, because my roommate came home just as the soup was about done and the scents in the kitchen were making her mouth water.  Thankfully, this was also really simple to make, because my body was lacking its usual energy.  My friends and I curled up on the couch with our movie, devoured this comfort soup, and we all felt a bit better afterward. Here’s how I made this…

1 cup of chopped parsnip
1 cup of chopped carrot
1 cup of chopped celery
2 cups of chopped green chard
1 large leek chopped into small rings – white and light green part only (rinse thoroughly)
1/2 cup of minced white onions
3 cloves of minced garlic
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
2 tbs olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, bring olive oil to medium heat and add leeks, garlic and onions and season lightly with salt and pepper (I like to add a few drops of Worcestershire Sauce). Cook and stir frequently for about 6-8 minutes. Add vegetable broth and bring to boil and then reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables and again let simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.