a warm and tasty soup

I am a believer in soup.  When it's cold, when you are lonely, when you are sick, when you want to be cozy it will make all these a little better.  I'm going on almost two weeks of being sick and David is on day three.  It's pathetic over here and I can only think of doing one thing.  Make soup.  I used this recipe and changed a few things.  Here is what I did...

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chopped leeks, white part only (from approximately 4 medium leeks)
• 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds (approximately 3 medium)
• 1 large sweet potato diced in chunks
• 2 cups fresh green beans, broken or cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth
• 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Half a bunch of kale shredded from stem
• 1 can Northern White beans, drained and rinsed (or any bean you wish)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the leeks, garlic, and a pinch of salt and sweat until they begin to soften, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Add the carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the tomatoes, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are fork tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.  In the last 10 minutes add the beans and kale.  Remove from heat and add the lemon juice. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Serve immediately.

I hope you all enjoy!