| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 142 | 10g | 4g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 4g | 0.6g |
Born of Nigerian parents with roots deeply planted in the red clay soil of Atlanta, my culinary journey has always been straddled between two continents, incorporating the rich flavors of Afro-Southern fusion. It’s this yin-yang dichotomy that influences my dishes, stretching from smoky barbecue sauces to fragrant soups. A perfect example of such a fusion is the Vegetable based Ground Elder Soup.
Embracing the Humble Elder
As a child, my mother would often take me and my siblings foraging in our Georgia backyard, and this is where I was introduced to the ground elder. This unusual, resilient little plant flourishes naturally in many parts of the world, not just in Nigeria or Atlanta. It’s not the kind of ingredient you’ll find in every kitchen, much like the Perilla leaves used in Korean cuisine. Yet, when it’s harnessed correctly, Ground Elder can turn a simple soup into a real treat.
The Health Spotlight
What I love about this Ground Elder Soup beyond the taste is its potent health benefits. The ground elder leaves used in the recipe are rich in Vitamin C, helping to boost your immune system. The soup is also replete with onions, carrots, and garlic—all filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Its warm, comforting, and good for you. Much like the Okra Soup my mother would prepare back home, only with a southern twist.
Despite the apparent simplicity, my Ground Elder Soup is a symphony of flavors. Modest yet multifaceted, each mouthful unearths a new note—a hint of garlic, a splash of tart lemon, a whisper of fresh herbs. This soup embodies my culinary identity, a bridge between Southern heat and West African spice—flavors that speak to my roots.
This versatile soup pairs beautifully with a fresh baguette or a side of roasted vegetables. Yet, it’s hearty enough to stand tall on its own too. That’s the beauty of this recipe.
Each spoonful is a tribute to my culture, my upbringing, and my passion for food. It’s a culinary love letter shared from my table to yours. I hope you love this Ground Elder Soup recipe as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of ground elder leaves (washed and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 large potato (peeled and diced)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 5 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 cup of fresh chives (chopped)
- Optional: Additional ground elder leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Then, add one large finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Continue to cook the onions and garlic, stirring occasionally, until the onions have become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Two
Next, add the peeled and diced potato and the peeled and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir the mixture to combine it well with the onions and garlic. Then, pour the 5 cups of vegetable broth into the pot. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Step Three
While the soup is simmering, add the chopped ground elder leaves. Stir them into the soup and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Four
Once the potatoes and carrots are tender and the ground elder leaves have wilted, reduce the heat to low. Pour the cream into the pot and stir well to combine. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes.
Step Five
To season the soup, add salt and pepper to taste. Then, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Step Six
Finally, add 1/2 cup each of fresh chopped parsley and chives. Stir the herbs into the soup and allow it to simmer for one more minute. You can also add additional ground elder leaves for garnish if you’d like.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Ground Elder Soup.
