This lovely dish came about on one of those rainy Saturday afternoons that called out for a bowl of something warm and comforting. With a whole bunch of fresh, organic fennel from the local farmers market and inspired by our current food obsession dish, 'cheesy' fennel gratin, we embarked upon an experiment. Boy, did it turn out good!

The creamy 'cheesy' flavor in this soup is Sari Foods Non-Fortified Nutritional Yeast. Nutritional Yeast which naturally has a fresh cheesy bite that deeply satisfies—without overpowering the delicate sweet fennel. Together these two distinct flavors combine in an unexpected way to create a smooth, creamy, satisfying bowl of yum. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 large fennel bulbs roughly chopped
• 1/4 large celeriac, cubed
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 20 ounces vegetable stock
• 4 Tbsp Sari Foods Non-fortified Nutritional Yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Oat cream (or another dairy alternative) and some chopped parsley to garnish.

Directions:

1. Heat the oil over a medium heat in a large pan. Add the onions to the pan and cook for a few minutes until soft.
2. Add the fennel and celeriac and allow to sweat with the pan lid askew until all the vegetables are soft and golden (approximately 5 minutes).
3. Add lemon zest and stock. Bring to a boil and simmer for around 15 minutes until all the vegetables are very tender.
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before transferring the soup mixture to a blender. (You may need to do this in batches.)
5. Add the Sari Foods Non-Fortified Nutritional Yeast and puree until completely smooth. Remember that Fennel is fibrous so it may need a little longer in the blender than other soups. Season to taste and spoon into bowls to serve. Top with the oat cream and some parsley if you wish! And don't forget, the best thing about making a batch of soup..? The leftovers!!!  

Peace and love from the Sari Foods family!