Jerusalem Artichoke and Leek Soup

Jess and I have always loved leek-and-potato soup, so I tried to create a low-carb version. I actually think it came out better than the original – sweet, rustic, and delicious.

Jerusalem artichoke, also called sunchoke, is a root vegetable with a potato-like texture. Although not low in carbohydrates, Jerusalem artichokes are generally a better choice for diabetics than potatoes, since the tubers store the carbohydrate inulin* (not to be confused with insulin) instead of starch. Inulin isn’t broken down in the digestive tract, which means it has only a small impact on blood sugar.

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Jerusalem Artichoke and Leek Soup

Ingredients

2 pounds Jerusalem artichoke, peeled and sliced.
3 medium leeks (white & light green parts only) sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, minced
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/4 cup thyme leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup light cream
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pot over a high flame. Add the onion, celery and leek and cook for 7 minutes while stirring. Add the Jerusalem artichoke, thyme and garlic and cook for another 7 minutes, and stir. Add 8 cups of water, bring to a boil, then lower flame and let it cook for 30 minutes. Make sure the Jerusalem artichoke is soft and remove from heat.
Puree the contents of the pot using a hand blender until smooth, add salt and pepper, and return to the stove. Bring the soup to a boil, lower the flame and allow it to cook for 15 minutes.
Stir in the cream, salt and pepper and continue cooking for a several minutes without letting the soup boil.
Serve hot.

Yield: 8

Notes

*For some, inulin is not well digested and may lead to flatulence or gastric pain.

Michael Aviad

Michael Aviad is co-founder of ASweetLife. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002. Michael was born in Santa Barbara and grew up in Jerusalem. He studied law and after passing his bar exam went on to get an MBA with a major in finance. Michael worked for many years as an economist. He and his wife Jess, also a type 1 diabetic, have three sons. Michael loves to run and is always training for the next marathon.

Michael Aviad

Michael Aviad is co-founder of ASweetLife. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002. Michael was born in Santa Barbara and grew up in Jerusalem. He studied law and after passing his bar exam went on to get an MBA with a major in finance. Michael worked for many years as an economist. He and his wife Jess, also a type 1 diabetic, have three sons. Michael loves to run and is always training for the next marathon.