Michelle Obama serves up White House Kitchen Garden Spring Soup

Michelle Obama participates in a “Let’s Move!” taping with Richard Sherman. PHOTO: Amanda Lucidon

Michelle Obama is deeply passionate about healthy eating, a commitment she highlighted as First Lady with her “Let’s Move!” campaign. This effort aimed to improve eating habits across the U.S.

One of her favorite recipes from this time is the White House Kitchen Garden Spring Soup. It features fresh vegetables from the White House garden, emphasizing her belief in simple, nutritious meals. This tasty soup not only reflects her cooking style but also her support for using local, fresh produce.

Ingredients

Broth: 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
Leeks: 3 leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Carrots: 2 carrots, peeled and diced
Potatoes: 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
Asparagus: 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Peas: 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
Salt: To taste
Pepper: To taste
Lemon Juice: From 1 lemon
Olive Oil: For sautéing

Directions

STEP 1
Prepare the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

STEP 2
Simmer the soup: Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes.

STEP 3
Add the remaining vegetables: Stir in the asparagus and peas, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, until these vegetables are tender yet still vibrant and crisp.

STEP 4
Finish with spinach and seasoning: Add the spinach leaves and cook until just wilted. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and add fresh lemon juice for a hint of brightness.

STEP 5
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring a good mix of vegetables in each. Serve hot, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

This recipe from Michelle Obama not only provides a nourishing meal but also invites families to share a moment of wellness and enjoyment around the dinner table.

Another garden spring soup version. PHOTO: Stock image