Potato Lovage Soup

small cloud plate and bowl with lovage fresh from the garden

My new favorite herb in my garden is lovage.  It is a robust perennial that can be used in place of celery in any recipe. It has a hollow stem, so try it as a straw for your bloody marys this summer!  I love it in smoothies, as around here it is much easier than celery to grow, and during the summer I can have a steady supply on hand.  Tonight I am going to whip up some potato and lovage soup, I've adapted this recipe here, replacing the milk with coconut milk.

• 1 medium onion,  finely chopped- if you have leeks you can use those, too
• 1 Tbls olive oil
• 2 lbs potato, cubed
• 2+ cups chicken or vegetable stock - adjust to desired consistency
• 2+ cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 5 Tbls chopped lovage - set aside some for garnish
• salt & pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, saute the chopped onion in olive oil until translucent; then add the cubed potatoes,  coconut milk, and stock.  Simmer until the potatoes are almost tender.  Then add the lovage and blend with your stick blender, or transfer in small portions to a vitamix or blender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve hot with crusty bread.  Yum!

What's your favorite herb in your garden?