Asheville Embraces the Cozy Season with Delicious Soups and Local Markets
As we find ourselves in Asheville, the days are getting chillier, making it the perfect time to warm up with a comforting bowl of soup. It’s fascinating how soup has become a staple across various cultures, offering not just nourishment but also a sense of community. A big pot of soup can effortlessly feed a family for days or be shared with friends and neighbors, creating bonds and spreading warmth during the cooler months.
Embracing the Local Harvest
This fall season comes with a bounty of locally grown ingredients perfect for magical soup creations. Picture bright sweet potatoes, vibrant carrots, hearty winter squash, creamy potatoes, fresh cauliflower, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs. If you’re a fan of hearty, homey flavors, I have the ideal recipe for you—potato, leek, and broccoli soup. Almost all the ingredients can be sourced from local tailgate markets around Buncombe County, making it a delightful way to support our farmers while enjoying a warm, nutritious meal.
A Recipe to Warm Your Soul
To serve four people, you’ll begin with about two pounds of white or yellow potatoes—around six medium-sized ones. Start by peeling and cubing them uniformly. In a large soup pot, heat up two tablespoons of either olive oil or butter. For something truly special, consider using one of the infused butters from Wild Goods, available at various markets like Asheville City and River Arts District.
Next, rinse and prepare two to three medium-sized leeks. Slice the white and light green parts thinly and add them to the hot oil, stirring until they’re translucent. Now’s the time to sprinkle in some fresh thyme leaves (removed from a small bundle), along with salt, pepper, and any other favorite seasonings you like. Toss in your cubed potatoes and give it a good stir!
Don’t forget the broccoli! Chop it into florets, separating the stems from the tops, and add the stems to the pot while setting the florets aside for later. Pour in three cups of vegetable broth or chicken stock, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer until the veggies are tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
For those who enjoy a creamy texture, add in a half cup of half-and-half. For a vegan option, you can integrate half a wedge of Darë Vegan Cheese’s smoked cheddar or garlic wedge—both available at the North Asheville Tailgate Market. Grab your immersion blender or food processor and blend the soup until smooth. If it seems too thick, you can thin it out with more broth or non-dairy milk.
Once perfectly creamy, stir in the chopped broccoli florets and let them simmer for an additional five minutes until they’re tender. Serve your soup in bowls and add a sprinkle of fresh thyme sprigs, chives, homemade croutons, crumbled bacon bits, or even some feta cheese from Spinning Spider Creamery for added flavor.
Upcoming Holiday Preparations
As the holidays approach, those considering a festive turkey feast can pre-order locally raised turkeys from farms in Western North Carolina. For a full list of turkey availability, check out local resources titled “Discover Local Food & Farms.” Supporting local farms not only provides you with quality food but also helps strengthen our community.
With the shift to Daylight Savings Time, it’s crucial to stay updated on market hours as changes come into effect. The West Asheville and River Arts District markets will operate from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Note that the Enka-Candler Farmers Market has wrapped up for the regular season but will hold a holiday market on November 16 and 17. Be sure to check for closing dates in individual markets—Biltmore Park will be open until November 21, East Asheville until November 22, and Black Mountain until November 23.
Support and Savings at Local Markets
If you qualify for Disaster SNAP, good news! You can use this benefit at farmers markets that accept SNAP, getting an extra $20 to spend on fruits and vegetables at participating markets through the Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. Just visit the market information tent for more information and to use your SNAP card to obtain tokens.
So, as the chill in the air invites you to embrace the cozy comforts of fall, let’s warm our homes and hearts with delicious soups made from locally sourced ingredients. Nothing brings people together quite like sharing a hearty bowl of soup—which is really magic in a pot!
