Recipe: Lemon Herb Peasant Soup to boost midwinter energy

"Lemon Herb Peasant Soup is the kind of dish that wakes you up midwinter, when everything feels muted and gray. Built on a humble base of broth, potatoes and celery, the soup gets its real character from an unapologetic heap of fresh herbs parsley, dill, maybe a handful of chives added with a confidence that borders on excess. Fresh lemon pulls the flavors into focus, melding the vivid with the verdant. The effect is bracing and alive, more garden party than winter doldrums."

"Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the green onion and celery and saute for 5 minutes until softened. Add the potato, vegetable broth and pearl couscous; season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for until the couscous and potatoes are just tender. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, finished with a dollop of sour cream."

Lemon Herb Peasant Soup rests on a simple base of broth, potatoes, celery and pearl couscous and brightens with a large quantity of fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro and chives. Fresh lemon juice lifts and unifies the herbaceous flavors for a vivid, verdant profile. The soup cooks quickly on the stovetop, with sautéed green onions and celery, simmered potatoes and couscous, then finished off with lemon and chopped herbs. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and crusty bread. Yield serves four.

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