autumn/ broths + soups/ mains + sides/ recipes/ season
Today I was really thinking about the name of my site – Well and Full – and the implication it has for me in my life. I thought of the name while I was considering the things that are most important to me; the things that I’m striving for every day.
I talk about this sparingly in this space – I don’t mean to burden anyone with my problems – but my journey to wellness has not been smooth. As a child I suffered from severe digestive issues and was hospitalized for it many times. And although I have gotten every test imaginable, I have not received any sort of concrete diagnosis except for IBS.
My health issues manifest themselves twofold – I will become intensely nauseous, or experience stomach pains, which will in turn trigger an anxiety about beingaround people while these things are happening. And it’s turned into this general anxietyof going out / being around other people in general, fearing that I will become sick in front of them, or have to experience these issuesin an unfamiliar and uncomfortable environment. In this way, working in an office environment has become almostunbearable for me. But honestly, to sum it up – I really just feel nauseous all the time. It never goes away, and it’s made me feel like I can’t keep going. I don’t feel like I’m really living anymore.
But like I said in my last post, I’m starting to make some big changes in my life. While my stomach has always been very sensitive, my health issues are mostly triggered by stress and anxiety… which I have in abundance in my current situation. Frankly, it’s unsustainable. I can’t keep living in illness; living in fear. There has to be a change, and it’s on me to make it.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t take this chance to thank all of the people in my life who haven’t given up on me (because some have). Thank you for texting me and asking if I want to see a movie even though I’ll be to scared to go out. Thank you for coming to my apartment, where I feel safe, and hanging out with me there so I can feel okay. Thank you for understanding that I won’t be coming to happy hour, or to dinner, or to that party. Thank you for understanding when I cancel at the last minute because I feel like I’m going to throw up. All of those people who have been there for me –thank you. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.
Creamy Autumn Beer Soup w/ Black Lentils + Chives
This creamy autumn beer soup is perfect for a crisp fall day, enjoyed with an IPA while watching a Sunday football game.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Servings 4 Bowls
Ingredients
The Vegetables
- 4 yellow potatoes peeled
- The white part from Two Leeks
- 1 Fennel Bulb about 1/2 cup, chopped
- 1 Vidalia Onion chopped
- 8-9 cloves garlic halved
- 4-5 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Sauté
The Rest Of The Soup
- 2 Cups Vegetable Stock
- 1 Bottle of your favorite IPA
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- Pinch of Cayenne
- Chives for Topping
Lentils
- 1 Cup Black Lentils
- Water for Cooking
Instructions
Lentils
Cook 1 cup black lentils according to manufacturer's instructions. When finished, rinse and set aside.
The Vegetables
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Peel the potatoes and cut in half, then add to the boiling water. Boil for about 15-20 minutes, or until you can stick a knife through the potatoes easily. Drain and set aside.
Bring a sauté pan to medium heat. Add leeks, fennel, onion, and garlic, with olive oil, and sauté until vegetables are lightly browned.
Making the Soup
In a large blender, combine potatoes, sautéed vegetables, vegetable stock, IPA, smoked paprika, and salt + pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
If desired, reheat soup in the large pot until ready to serve.
Putting It All Together
When ready to eat, serve soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a generous heaping of lentils, and chives. Best enjoyed in front of the fireplace while a football game is playing.
Song of the Day:
All the Stars – Wailin’ Jennys
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29 Comments
Reply
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
October 11, 2015 at 8:12 pm
I always get so excited when your new posts pop up in my bloglovin! Your recipes are always so stunning and full of so many beautiful flavors!
I 100% feel you on health issues. That’s my life as well and right now, I’m dealing with some really bad unknowns, possible Crohns (IBD), so not only my Celiac, and reflux, but other bad things. It’s so hard, but having those that do support us is really want we need to help us get through. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Reply
Sarah
October 12, 2015 at 7:25 am
Sending you a big hug girl <3 I knew that you had Celiac, but to be worried about something else on top of it must be so tough :(
Reply
Stephanie | The Foodie and The Fix
October 12, 2015 at 7:38 am
This looks and sounds delicious! And can I just say what a sucker I am for anything involving fennel? Yum!
Reply
Sarah
October 12, 2015 at 9:55 am
Thanks Stephanie!! :D
Reply
danielle is rooting the sun
October 12, 2015 at 9:04 am
good morning sarah! i don’t want to reveal just how excited i was to see the word beer (and IPA at that!) in my inbox on a monday morning. this is a delicious and beautiful soup! :) – – your post hit quite close to home for me. i went through some of the very same trials that you are experiencing, and i was essentially self-prescribed to stay in my apartment. something physically (largely undefined) created issues for me (constant nausea), and in turn the stress perpetuated inside of me. you seem strong and positive sarah, both essential and valuable elements. and when those around you can share empathy and support it makes it a lot smoother. ♥
Reply
Sarah
October 12, 2015 at 9:56 am
Really?? How did you get through it!! I would love any sort of advice / insight.
Reply
danielle is rooting the sun
October 12, 2015 at 11:52 pm
sarah the absolute most frustrating aspect is that my insight is so limited! i sustained tug of wars with my doctors, who ultimately came up with no singular conclusion. i was given an endoscopy and with the results they suspected celiac disease – although months later “they” decided this was not the case. what i do remember doing is eliminating everything from my diet – i listened as closely to my body as i could, and eventually the issues subsided. what i want to tell you with all of my heart is that whatever it may be it won’t be forever. just hang tight.
Reply
Sarah
October 13, 2015 at 11:06 am
thanks girl <3 I really appreciate that.
Reply
Erica
October 12, 2015 at 2:01 pm
This looks absolutely stunning. The colors and your styling are perfect in this post!
I also love your writing. You’re a strong lady!!
Reply
Sarah
October 12, 2015 at 3:27 pm
Thank you so much Erica! :)
Reply
dixya | food, pleasure, and health
October 12, 2015 at 4:47 pm
i use beer in chili recipes but never in soups, will have to try this recipe. im glad you are able to recognize what’s triggering your nausea and hope anxiety slowly resolves.
Reply
Sarah
October 12, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Thanks Dixya <3
Reply
Lu | Super Nummy Yo!
October 13, 2015 at 1:34 pm
This looks delicious Sarah! So glad to have found your site :)
Reply
Sarah
October 13, 2015 at 1:40 pm
Thanks Lu!! :D
Reply
Hotly Spiced
October 13, 2015 at 10:57 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of your health issues. The soup is perfect for your Fall xx
Reply
Sarah
October 14, 2015 at 7:36 am
Thank you <3
Reply
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
October 14, 2015 at 6:44 am
This looks too pretty to eat – but I would have to eat it! What a nice treat for a fall night and beautiful enough for a dinner party.
Reply
Sarah
October 14, 2015 at 7:35 am
Thanks Karen! :D
Reply
Meg
October 14, 2015 at 7:25 am
This soup sounds INCREDIBLE but I’m not a fan of ipa’s and neither is the boyfriend. Can you really taste it in the soup and if no, could I use a different type of beer or just take it out all together (not such a fan of this plan) ?
Thank ypu!
Reply
Sarah
October 14, 2015 at 7:33 am
You can absolutely use another kind of beer! I suggested an IPA because of the more prominent flavor… but a lighter ale would work just as nicely :)
Reply
Meg
October 14, 2015 at 12:03 pm
Excellent! Thank you!!
Reply
Sarah
October 14, 2015 at 9:31 pm
:D
Reply
Susannah (Lemon and Coconut)
October 14, 2015 at 9:00 am
Hey Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your problems. I understand what it is like to live with severe health issues and it’s not easy, Seems to be you’re on the right path, you’re taking control of your relationship with food in the healthiest most positive way, by eating foods that heal and sooth and nurture you, AND finding the time and strength to share such beautiful recipes and posts with others too. Keep on going, have faith in yourself and your ability to find ways to control and reduce your anxiety, and remember that life may be full of compromises but it is also full of surprises and things can change and get better.
I adore your photos of the soup they’re just so creative and lovely, just like you xx :)
Reply
Sarah
October 14, 2015 at 9:28 am
Thank you so much for your thoughtful note Susannah,I really appreciate it :) I’m trying to keep the faith!
Reply
The Vegan 8
October 16, 2015 at 4:27 pm
Such a beautiful soup Sarah and omg, dying that you added beer! YES! Gorgeous! I want some now!
Reply
Sarah
October 16, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Thanks Brandi!! :D
Reply
Becky
October 16, 2015 at 4:57 pm
Ugh, I hear you! I’ve been battling near-constant nausea, abdominal pain, and other stomach issues for four years now. I’m heading down to the Mayo Clinic for more tests, but I’ve just about resigned myself to the idea that these issues might never go away :( All I can say is you’re not alone! Oh, and this soup looks AWESOME! The fact that there’s no dairy in it at ALL is intriguing – dairy sometimes acts as a trigger for me, so I REALLY want to try this one :)
Reply
Sarah
October 16, 2015 at 5:10 pm
Oh no I’m sorry to here that Becky :( But actually it is kind of nice to know sometimes that you’re not alone!! I thought I was the only one who felt nausea literally all the time :( I hope your tests go well! Sending positive thoughts your way <3
Reply
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