Before we dig into this vegan broccoli soup with white beans and yogurt.
I want to share something with you.
For as long as I can remember.
I have always been two things.
A doer.
And, a worrier.
This is a story of how those two things landed me in a health crisis.
And, what I plan to do to pull myself out of it.
2015 started out on the highest of highs. Chris got his dream job, and we were off to the Midwest to start a brand new chapter in our lives. Our hearts were full of hope and aspiration. Although I was reluctant to leave the East Coast, I tried my best to be optimistic about our future in St. Louis.
Really wonderful things started to happen. My blog was nominated for a Saveur award. I started writing a column for a Midwestern food publication, Feast Magazine. I was taking on freelance photography jobs and recipe development projects. And I was traveling all over the country and to other countries for media trips. The candle was really burning at both ends — or whatever that saying is. I was born a doer.
Amidst this incessant desire to constantly do, I was never still. My entire life, and especially this past year. I worked/played/traveled to avoid, the worrier. I’ve always been pretty good at avoiding her. But this past year, I was horrible at it. I spent far too many days isolated at home alone, behind a lens and a screen, talking to my cat like a crazy person, in a brand new city where I knew no one at all. I was depressed and anxious. And all the worry started to add up.
It’s been exactly seven weeks since my headache started. It came on suddenly without warning, and the relentless son of a bitch hasn’t left my side since. No break, no relief. All day, all night. No medicine can ease the pain. For the first four weeks the headache was acute and intense. I could barely do anything or leave my home. I was miserable.
Time felt like it was standing still. I saw a half a dozen doctors, took half a dozen bloods tests. And nothing. Then I landed in the emergency room, got an MRI, more blood work, and all the results came back clear. Everything I’ve been tested for this far has been ruled out. Stress, they say, is the culprit. Three weeks later, the headache persists still. And although the pain seems to be decreasing in severity, giving room to even a handful of moments in the past few days without the headache altogether, the struggle is very real everyday. Chronic pain is an intolerable bitch.
Through this pain there’s been tremendous light and growth. A radical shift in the way I approach life has been birthed not only out of desire, but necessity. The way I want to care for myself is changing. The way I want to talk to myself is changing. It will be hard to undo all the years of doing and worrying, and you’re not good enoughs. The pain will not be relieved overnight or after one yoga class or acupuncture or therapy session. It will take time, patience and work. This year, 2016, is dedicated to self-love. Because, I’ve never been too good at that before.
Also I decided 2016 will be the year of soup! There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of soup. Especially this creamy vegan broccoli soup. On New Year’s Eve I had the privilege of cooking a meal for 10 beautiful souls. It started with this bowl of this vegan, creamy, broccoli white bean soup. It is both bright and hearty, and I hope you enjoy it. Wishing you all an abundant 2016.
Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced small
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- {1} can cannellini beans
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- yogurt to garnish
- red onions to garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over low heat, and sauté the onions for 5 minutes.
- Turn the heat up to medium, and add in the garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute more. Then pour in the white wine and scrape all the brown yummy bits for the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a few minutes until the wine is mostly evaporated.
- Add in the broth, beans, broccoli, spinach, parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until the broccoli is bright green and tender throughout. This will take about 5 minutes.
- Then transfer the cooked broccoli and bean mixture into a blender and blend until completely smooth. You may need to do so in small batches.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper and if desired a dollop of yogurt, fresh parsley and red onions.
Danielle says
Sherrie, my heart swells with your declaration of 2016 being ‘the year of soup’ – it’s one meal that I return to constantly and whole-heartedly, a nourishing form of creativity, whether hot or cold! I really love the combination of broccoli and white bean, they are so fond of each other. And you have my deepest wishes for a well and happy new year. Sometimes a change born of both desire and necessity is the best change. May self-love and good food always walk hand in hand, it’s always a pleasure to read your blog.
Sherrie says
It’s a pleasure to have you in my little community. Your warm comments and sincere messages continue to make my day and put a smile on my face. All my love, always, xx!
Mary says
Totally the year of soup! Love this post and your words. Your health is your wealth. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Amanda Paa says
Your words are so wise, and you are learning from yourself. Not an easy thing to do. And with all the brightness you share with others, know that you are loved and supported. I’ve been working on self-care more recently too, and sometimes wonder why it is so hard for us to just be. But without that nerve-wracking feeling of stillness, its hard to honor. And so it will get it easier, right? xo
Sherrie says
Stillness is – so – hard. I appreciate your friendship more than you may know, xx!
Jessica Kelley says
This is a beautiful post even though it covers such a lousy topic but it’s real and very powerful. I truly feel for you and wish the best for you for 2016. Devoted self-care seems like the answer and I hope your headaches resolve quickly. I live here in St. Louis but I’m still a student. I love your work and what you do (the holistic coaching, recipe development, blog, photography, etc. – all of it!). It’s fun picking up Feast Magazine and seeing your work! The November cover was beautiful! You are truly an inspiration. I’m sure you are incredibly busy but I would love the opportunity to connect with you and get a feel for all that you do a little bit better. Let me know if I can message you so we can chat a little more. Wishing you the best and hoping to hear from you soon.
Jessica says
Hi Jessica – thank you so much for your beautiful words! I would love to get together with you sometime. Feel free to send me an email {sherrie@withfoodandlove.com} and we can grab some coffee or tea.
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
The year of soup and less worrying – that sounds like perfection. I’m a major worrier too (as you already know) and I have to be very mindful to try to keep it all in check. It’s hard. And often it slips away from me. I’m thinking of you often and wishing you a wonderful year of health and gorgeous, delicious, real foods. Cheers, friend!
Lindsey says
Ooof, lady, I’m so sorry to hear of your suffering. I completely understand your struggle, it’s a tough balance, but as you alluded to, self-care is so crucial to maintaining that balance. I have to say though, I couldn’t help but get super excited at the thought of you working on a book proposal! Cannot wait to hear more! Sending you big hugs, and continued clarity, friend! xo
Libby says
The stress has gotten to me this year. Fighting migraines and body aches and anxiety attacks. My husband and I decided that I would take some time off of my low-paying, high-stress job and work on getting well in my mind and my body and in my creativity. 2016 will change in a lot of ways for us, for sure. But one week out and I’m already eating and sleeping better just from being out of that job. I’m excited to see what wellness looks like for me. And I think that this soup is exactly a great place to start. Thanks for it.
Lexi says
Stress is a scary beast. Glad you are making more YOU time. Sending healing hugs your way my friend!
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
Oh Sherrie! I’m so sorry to hear about this terrible headache and stress. I second your motion to 2016 being a year of self care. We all could really use a chapter in this area, not just for the current afflictions, but to develop healthy habits to last a lifetime. Our future is full of “nows” and I commend you for beginning to take the steps towards a future of wellness. Lots of hugs and bowls of cozy soup for you, hope this headache and stress starts to ease up bit by bit – giving you hope and a feeling of rejuvenation. xo
Sherrie says
Thanks Jessie! You always send me the kindest messages – I appreciate you! xx
Beth @ Tasty Yummies says
I’ve been thinking about you lots, love. I can relate with all of this, way too much. Same story for me, but with my digestion. Though the chronic stuff I deal with likely has a deeper cause, I was seeing the day to day could be made much more manageable by lessening my stress. 2015 was the year I declared I was going to focus more on honoring myself and it is incredible what has come of it. Streamlining, less is more, I can’t do it all – this has been my story in 2015 and I hope it continues into 2016!
I am so sorry you’ve been dealing with all of this, but happy to know it wasn’t anything more serious and that out of it was born the focus on some much needed self care. Work hard, play hard, rest hardest. Please reach out if you want to talk or need any tips – sending you love and light. Here’s to a swift healing.
PS grab the book Anatomy of the Spirit. I have been reading this for the past year, slowly, taking it all in. It’s an incredible book about healing on an energetic level and understanding that we have more control over our physical bodies than we realize.
Sherrie says
Anatomy of the Spirit – adding it to my wishlist, xx!
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
Sherrie, I wish you all the best in 2016. I once had a persistent migraine for 2 months! Saw several doctors but medication didn’t help. What helped was changing my diet and completely removing dairy from it. Year of soup sounds wonderful. I am still learning to live in cold weather, and soups have been my savior. I look forward to more recipes here.
Emily says
Amen to self-care! And to your fabulous looking soup. I just made a little broccoli soup number myself. It’s just that time of year for pureed goodness. Thoughts are with you as you start to feel a little better. I am so happy to hear that 2015 was a fantastic year filled with so much success. Wishing you lots more this year, and hope you’re able to do it with a little more ease and a little less worry.
Madeline says
Take care of yourself and feel better soon! You are an inspiration! I love the color of this soup and the fact that it contains broccoli! Hopefully I can make this weekend.
Brooke @ Chocolate and Marrow says
Sherrie! Can you promise me something? Like really, seriously, make a promise? Can 2016 be the year that you (or we because they plague me too) tell those not-good-enough thoughts to take a hike? You are a shining light in this blog world. I look forward to your recipes and photos and words every week, even when I’m not commenting on them. And I’ve probably made your recipes more than any other blogger out there. Not because I don’t love my other blogger peeps’ culinary creations but because yours speak to me and what I am naturally craving so often. Okay, I’m done gushing now. I’m so glad I was introduced to you and your blogging through Saveur. Sending you warm hugs through the screen and hoping the outpouring of Sherrie love above gives your mind and body the strength it needs to kick those nasty headaches to the curb! Happy 2016, sweet friend.
Sherrie says
I know this is a {very} late reply. But Brooke, the day I got the comment it made my eyes swell. You are such a bright light in this world and this comment meant so much to me. I look forward to the day where we can spend more quality real life time together, xx !!!!
Gena says
I love using white beans for creaminess, and this recipe is a beautiful example of what they can do! Lovely, and such a great winter dish. Happy new year, Sherrie!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Stress can have such an impact on our minds and bodies. I hope you feel better soon! And I know we can all be a bit better at taking care of ourselves.
This soup is a gorgeous weeknight meal! I’m never one to repeat my meals, but lately I’ve had difficulty finding inspiration, so it’s really wonderful to come across something so creative (and yet pretty simple) to prepare.
Jodi says
This post is everything, Sherrie. Thanks for having courage is sharing your story. I’m so sorry to hear how rough these past few weeks have been – stress is an ugly ugly thing but unfortunately we all have to learn to balance it. I haven’t worked out how yet myself, but I know I second your thoughts on self care. Health is worth it, it’s the only thing really. I think this little shift is only going to inspire your work, this year is gonna be a good one – all the love and broccoli for 2016. xo
Krista says
I am so sorry you are suffering from headaches. I hope you are able to find some relief soon. I also live in the St Louis area, and I have had chronic migraimes since moving here in 2007. Please email me if you want info about a local migraine support group, info about docs, or just need to talk. I had no idea you wrote for Feast magazine. I will have to pick it up! I can’t use wine in recipes (because of migraines), is there something I can use instead.
Sherrie says
Krista – you can eliminate the wine altogether if you’d like. Or substitute a little lemon juice instead. Thanks for the support!
Jessica says
Amen sister, I’ve anointed 2016 the year of health for me as well. We can do it! There’s no lesson like a health lesson, always a silver lining. xoxo
Amy | Lemon and Coconut says
Hi Sherrie, I hope the headaches are easing now, they will, you are definitely taking the right approach. So often it is when we are backed into a corner that we see what changes we need to make, and that it is not an overnight process too. Soup is definitely a super nurturing food and yours looks beautiful. xx
Genevieve says
Stress can be so damaging, I am so sorry you are experiencing these dreadful headaches! Thank you for sharing and I hope the headaches get better and go away soon. A few years ago my boyfriend legitimately thought that he had some deadly disease because he had these headaches that would not go away, at all. Same thing happened: blood work came back fine and the doctors told him it was just stress. At the end of the day, I hope you remember that you are good enough and that you are doing wonderful things! Sending love and healing vibes your way.
Tessa | Salted Plains says
Amen to the year of self-care. I have always been both of those things as well, and didn’t really think about until your beautiful post how well the doing part can really keep the worry part at bay. That is, until its taken too much of a toll! I’ve learned the hard way (so many times) that my job as a full-time counselor demands I give myself a break, a rest, the permission to say no. Self-care is a saving grace. I am hoping relief and healing come to you very soon, sweet lady. xo.
p.s. This soup!! Making this week.
Molly says
I absolutely adore soup and I hope that you find ways to combat the stress in your life. Stress is seriously poisonous. Good luck!
Sherrie says
Stress is – totally – poisonous. I need to remind myself of that daily.
Jackie @Auburn Meadow Farm says
I hope your strategy brings you some relief and joy.
Eden Passante says
So sorry to hear about your headaches. Take care of yourself! I agree that 2016 should be the year of soup. Nothing is more comforting than a hot bowl of soup, and this recipe looks amazing.
Lily | Kale & Caramel says
Oh my sweet friend. I feel so deeply for this challenge you’ve been facing for the past two months. Your words brought me to tears. I can so relate. The doing and the worrying. It’s endless, isn’t it? And yet it must, IT MUST, stop. I’m so inspired by your commitment to yourself this year. May it heal you swiftly. Meantime, I’m here. Sending so much love and ease from LA.
Sherrie says
YOU xx xx xx !!!!
Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation says
Sherrie thank you for sharing your story so openly and honestly. I always appreciate you telling it like it is. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Emilie @ The Clever Carrot says
It’s so incredibly hard to put ourselves out there and to be vulnerable. But you’ve don’t it so beautifully here. And you are on the right path Sherrie, I just know it. From my little corner of the internet, I wish every bit of that headache away for good. You are already on your way. All my love. xo
Sherrie says
I appreciate you friend, xx!
Emma says
Hi Sherrie. This is a wonderful post, I’m going through a few similar issues myself and I think it’s very brave of you to share your thoughts, so thank you. This soup sounds delicious and your photographs are great, I especially like the one of the white bean tin. I hope everything works out well for you.
Christal@NutritionistInTheKitch says
Sherrie, this post hit a spot in my heart. I can relate so much. Two years ago my do’er and worrier self landed in a health crisis also. I felt like I had landed in the deepest pit and would never find my way out, but I did, and I strongly believe, you will too. While these past couple years has had its ups and downs, I’m slowly healing and I’ve honestly grown so much as a person that as crazy as it sounds, I wouldn’t take any of it back, even the darkest days. I think you’ll be amazed at what comes out of this. xo Christal
dishing up the dirt says
Sending love and peace your way. Self-care is where it’s at lady! Take care of yourself. Eat lots of soup and drink a few cocktails too.
Dee says
Dear Sherrie – thank you for sharing your story. You are talented and remarkable. May your gifts and natural drive serve you well on your journey to better health. Love and peace, D.
Lori says
Two cups greens?
Sherrie says
Hi Lori – that’s right. Two cups of your favorite greens. See notes for more clarity.
Kerry says
I just came across this post, and it resonated with me so much. I too found myself in a health crisis due to too much worrying and doing. I’m finally in a place where I feel like I am back on track (most days). I have been searching for simple, nourishing food – specifically soups – to have in my arsenal moving into this very hectic time of year that is chock full of opportunities to over worry, and over do. I made this soup tonight, and it is fabulous! It’s exactly what my body is craving. I’m glad I found your blog, and I am hoping that your health is wonderful now. Thank you.
Sherrie says
Hi Kerry, I’m so glad you found my blog. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It totally made my day. I’m wishing you a calm, nourishing holiday season. And I look forward to you following along, xx.
Suzanne says
I don’t see any notes about what kind of greens to use. Can anyone help me out?
Sherrie says
Hi Suzanne – I like to use baby kale or baby spinach. See notes for more clarity.
Susan says
Hello! I discovered this page whilst searching for plant-based recipes following eye opening five-week cooking course on this subject. I haven’t tried recipe yet, but just read your preamble to it. Wow. How has your journey been since you posted this recipe? I hope you are well and have found blessings along your way. Remember there is no light without the darkness, and no rainbows without a storm.
Lisa says
Thanks for a delicious, healthy soup recipe. I made it in my Instant Pot. I sautéed the onions and garlic, then added the chopped up broccoli and the liquids and cooked on high pressure for 5 minutes with a full natural pressure release. Once pressure released I added the drained beans and chopped parsley and kale and closed the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then I blended it all with my immersion blender. Terrific!
Sherrie says
Hi Lisa – I love this so much! Instant Pot for the win! Thanks for the good report. It made my day.
Gilda Blackmore says
It’s October 2018 now and your soup is still going strong. I hope your headache is not!
Heather says
This didn’t come out as creamy as I’d hoped. I don’t have a blender that is fully up to the task of turning broccoli into creamy puree. But just because the broccoli was a texture problem doesn’t mean the whole recipe is a bust for me. Thanks at least for giving me a new recipe idea to experiment with.
Sherrie says
You’re welcome, Heather! A high-powered blender can definitely get this super smooth. Maybe next time you could try blending it longer or adding a little more liquid to help with the process.