As much as I am trying to embrace the transition to Fall, my heart is still singing songs of Summer. Normally I am pretty excited for this season, but Summer seemed to end so abruptly for me this year. I just wasn’t ready for it to be over yet. Regardless of how I wish I was still wearing sun dresses, lounging about on restaurant patios, or spending a day at the beach, I have to accept my surroundings and keep reminding myself of why I enjoy Fall: apple picking, hoodies, root vegetables, bright-colored leaves, and comforting homemade soups.

I decided to take some of my “summer soul” and put it into this Island Kale and Sweet Potato Soup. It consists of hearty, seasonal vegetables in a light, mildly spicy coconut broth that brings both Summer and Fall right into one bowl. And, it even has a little island of rice floating in the middle!

Island Kale & Sweet Potato Soup

2 tbsp coconut oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed, diced
1 bunch kale, tough stems removed, washed well and chopped
1 1/2 lbs (about 3) sweet potatoes, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
6 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
Cooked white basmati rice

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until translucent. Stir in garlic and jalapeno and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in kale, sweet potatoes, broth, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in coconut milk.

To serve, put a mound of rice in the center of a bowl and ladle the soup around the rice. Enjoy!

Making this soup truly put a big smile on my face. I’ll confess to eating two bowls of it once it was done, and I could have very easily downed a third. I even decided to take it outside to photograph with all the fallen leaves. It’s amazing how making one pot of homemade soup brought me back to a place of appreciation for the present. Though my heart may not be fully in the season, there are so many characteristics of Fall to admire. After all, Spring will soon awaken the Earth with the return of Summer.

Happiest of weekends, my friends!

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.” ~ Albert Camus