Hairst Bree with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced 1 large onion, diced
• 2 leeks, sliced 2 leeks, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 turnip, peeled and diced 1 turnip, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion, sliced leeks, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and turnip to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.
7. 7.
   Using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
8. 8.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. 9.
   Serve the Hairst Bree hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Leeks — Thoroughly wash the leeks to remove any dirt or sand trapped between the layers.
• Turnip — Peel the turnip before dicing to remove the tough outer skin.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream before serving.
• Customize the soup by adding other seasonal vegetables like parsnips or butternut squash.
• For a heartier version, add cooked barley or lentils to the soup.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Hairst Bree with a side of crusty bread or Scottish oatcakes for a complete and satisfying meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad or a tangy coleslaw.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal. Serve it in rustic bowls or soup tureens to showcase the comforting nature of the dish.