Yams = tastiest vitamin A ever. I'm currently attempting a batch of this with a tomato and maybe some mushroom thrown in for kicks, but it'll be nigh impossible to improve on the plainer version. De-veganize at will; I certainly do.
A rich, mellow flavor and beautiful golden color characterize this
easy-to-make soup.
2 cups chopped leeks
1/2 cup chopped onion
water as needed
3-1/2 cups peeled, diced garnet or jewel yams
3 cups vegetable bouillon or broth (use homemade stock, canned broth, or broth powder mixed in the water)
3/4 tsp. salt or to taste
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. mild curry powder
3/4-1 cup soy milk or rice beverage
dash of cayenne pepper (only if your taste buds are broken)
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. chopped chives
In a large pot braise chopped leeks and onion in a little water, covered,
over low heat until they are soft but not browned, about 15 minutes. Add
the yams and 3 cups of broth. Cover pot and bring to a boil; reduce heat
and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Add salt,
peppers, and spices. In a blender with a tight fitting lid puree soup
in small batches until it is smooth.
Return soup to saucepan. Stir in soy or rice milk and lemon juice. Taste
and adjust seasonings, adding a little more broth if a thinner soup is
desired. Sprinkle chives (or green onions) over each serving of soup.
Update: the tomato is not to be repeated. The mushrooms, however, are worth experimenting with; the soup as is could really use some richer bass notes, and mushrooms are a pleasantly earthy possibility. Next time, I'll puree them with the sweet potatoes, rather than having them in chunks. Dollops of cream are also on the agenda.