Step 1/4: Prepare All Base Ingredients

Elements needed: Leek, sweet potatoes, apple

Utensils: Sharp knife, cutting board, vegetable peeler

Instructions:

• Cut off leek's dark green tops

• Cut lengthwise and rinse thoroughly between layers to remove dirt

• Slice white and light green parts into 1cm (½ inch) rounds (about 2 cups)

• Wash and peel the 2 sweet potatoes

• Cut into uniform 2-3cm (1 inch) dice (about 3-4 cups)

• Wash, peel and core the apple

Cut into cubes similar in size to sweet potato (about 1-1.5 cups)

Step 2/4: Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor Base

Elements needed: Olive oil, prepared leek, diced sweet potato, apple pieces

Utensils: Medium to large pot, wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions:

• Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in pot over medium heat

• Add sliced leek and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent

• Do not let it brown

• Add diced sweet potato and stir for 1-2 minutes

• Add apple pieces and stir 2-3 minutes to coat everything with aromatic oil

• The flavors should begin to integrate

Step 3/4: Cook, Season, and Blend

Elements needed: Water, salt, lime zest, prepared vegetable mixture

Utensils: Pot with vegetables, immersion blender (or food processor), microplane or fine grater, fine-mesh strainer (optional)

Instructions:

• Add 1-1.5 liters water to cover vegetables by 2-3cm (1 inch)

• Add 1 teaspoon salt

• Bring to boil, then reduce to gentle simmer

• Cover and cook 15-20 minutes until vegetables are completely tender

• Test with fork—sweet potato should fall apart easily

• Remove from heat and zest 1 lime directly into hot soup

• Blend with immersion blender 2-3 minutes until completely smooth

• Move blender around to eliminate all lumps

Step 4/4: Final Seasoning, Consistency Adjustment, and Presentation

Elements needed: Blended soup, salt, black pepper, hot water or vegetable broth (if needed), garnishes

Utensils: Pot with soup, ladle, serving bowls, spoon for garnishing

Instructions:

• Keep soup warm over low heat

• Taste and adjust salt and black pepper

• If too thick, add hot water ¼ cup at a time until it coats a spoon but flows smoothly

• Ladle into 4 warmed bowls

• Add 1 tablespoon coconut milk/cream/yogurt in center of each

• Sprinkle poppy seeds evenly over surface

• Distribute chopped fresh chives

• Add pinch of fresh lime zest to each bowl

• Finish with spiral drizzle of extra virgin olive oil