Spinach and Zucchini Soup

Merry everything!

Have you been busy decking the halls with plenty of rich meals, sweet desserts, and possibly alcohol?

If so, chances are, you’re feeling ready for a major diet detox right about now.

 No candy! No more junk! No booze!

Research shows that a sudden transition away from fatty and sugary foods can cause symptoms similar to those seen during a drug withdrawal. That’s right, so your best bet is to slowly crowd out those foods with clean, delicious, easy to digest options.

Sound good?

Good. Now go ahead and release any guilt and give it all you got to get back on track with this amazing, cleansing meal.

photo & recipe credit: http://www.101cookbooks.com

Spinach and Zucchini Soup
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
big pinch of salt
2 1/2 cups potatoes (2 medium) cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 1/2 cups zucchini (2 medium), loosely chopped
4 cups vegetable stock
4 cups fresh spinach leaves, loosely packed
1 cup cilantro, loosely chopped
one lemon

In a large, thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot (but not smoking) add the garlic and onions and saute for a few minutes along with pinch of salt – just until they soften up a bit. Stir in the potatoes and zucchini. Add the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are soft throughout, roughly 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the spinach, and wait for it to wilt, just ten seconds or so. Now stir in the cilantro. Puree with a hand blender until smooth. Whisk in a big squeeze of lemon juice. Now taste, and add more salt if needed. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve.
Serves about 6.