From Our Hearth to Yours: A Winter Solstice Root Vegetable Soup Tradition

The Winter Solstice. The longest night. A time for reflection, gratitude, and nurturing the warmth within. Here at Better Homes and Harvests, we believe in embracing the simple rhythms of nature, especially during this season of quiet introspection. For us, the Solstice isn't about frantic shopping or overwhelming to-do lists. It’s about slowing down, appreciating what we have, and connecting with loved ones through meaningful traditions. And for our family, that tradition centers around a steaming pot of Root Vegetable Soup.

This isn't just any soup; it's a taste of the earth, a celebration of the harvest, and a spoonful of memories passed down through generations. This Winter Solstice, we invite you into our kitchen to share our family’s recipe and the story behind it.

The Story of the Solstice Soup

My great-grandmother, Elara, was a woman deeply connected to the land. She lived a life of simple abundance, tending her garden and raising her family with a wisdom that came from observing the natural world. Elara believed the Winter Solstice was a time to honor the earth's dormancy and to celebrate the promise of returning light. She saw the root vegetables that persevered through the cold as a symbol of resilience and hope.

Her solution? A hearty soup, born from the soil and imbued with love. She would gather carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and sometimes even beets and turnips from her root cellar – vegetables that stored the sun's energy and provided sustenance through the long winter months. The recipe was never written down, but passed on through observation and taste, each generation adding their own subtle touch. The aroma of this soup, simmering on the stove, became synonymous with the Winter Solstice in our family. It represented a departure from the growing consumerism of the modern world, a return to the earth, and a commitment to simple, shared moments.

Elara's Root Vegetable Soup: A Recipe for the Soul

This recipe is an adaptation of my great-grandmother's tradition, tweaked and refined over the years, but always staying true to its roots (pun intended!). It’s a celebration of seasonal eating, homesteading, and slow living – values we hold dear at Better Homes and Harvests. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and what’s available to you. And don't be afraid to get creative! This soup is forgiving and loves a personal touch.

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1.5-2 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or rendered bacon fat, for extra flavor!)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and chopped
• 1 beet, peeled and chopped (optional, for color and sweetness)
• 1 turnip, peeled and chopped (optional, for earthy flavor)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, sour cream or yogurt, crusty bread

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or bacon fat) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   
2. Add the Root Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beet (if using), and turnip (if using) to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the oil and aromatics.
3. Simmer with Broth and Herbs: Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Add the rosemary sprigs, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
4. Season and Adjust: Remove the rosemary sprigs and bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You may need to add more broth if the soup becomes too thick.
   
5. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. We prefer a slightly chunky texture, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
   

Family Secrets & Variations:

• Foraged Goodness: If you're feeling adventurous, add foraged mushrooms like chanterelles or morels for an earthy depth of flavor. Just be sure to properly identify any wild mushrooms before consuming them.
• Homegrown Herbs: Fresh herbs from your garden (or a local farmer's market like the one shown below at Flowerland) elevate the flavors of this soup. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley are excellent choices.
  
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting the root vegetables before adding them to the soup intensifies their sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
• A Touch of Apple: My mother always added a small, tart apple (like a Granny Smith) to the soup for a hint of sweetness and acidity.
• Vegan Variation: Simply use vegetable broth and omit the sour cream or yogurt topping. This soup is naturally gluten-free.

Connecting with the Land and the Season

Making this soup is more than just following a recipe; it's an act of connection. It’s about appreciating the bounty of the earth, supporting local farmers, and slowing down to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. When we gather around the table to share this soup on Winter Solstice, we're not just nourishing our bodies; we're nourishing our souls. We’re remembering Elara and her wisdom, and we’re passing on a tradition that embodies the values of Better Homes and Harvests: sustainability, simplicity, and connection.

(Maybe serve with a side like the reuben picture below)

Embracing the Handmade Holiday

In a world that often equates happiness with material possessions, the Winter Solstice offers a gentle reminder that true joy lies in connection, gratitude, and simple living. By creating handmade traditions like making this root vegetable soup, we actively choose to participate in a slower, more intentional way of life. We're rejecting the pressure of consumerism and embracing the beauty of the natural world. The act of chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, and sharing a meal with loved ones becomes a sacred ritual, a way to honor the season and nourish our souls. This Winter Solstice, consider making this soup a part of your own family's tradition. Gather around the table, light some beeswax candles, and share a bowl of warmth and connection.

And maybe even a crusty homemade pumpernickel to enjoy with the soup.

What are your family's favorite Winter Solstice traditions? Share them in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you celebrate the season and connect with loved ones. May your Winter Solstice be filled with warmth, light, and the simple abundance of the earth.