From My Kitchen to Yours: Sweet Potato & Soul Soup

This morning, I found myself once again in my kitchen, quiet, reflective, and grateful. The house was still; the day had begun with prayer and peace, and I had a friend coming over for lunch.

It’s funny how sometimes you don’t have a plan, just a fridge full of bits and pieces, and yet that’s where the magic begins.

Today, I made soup.

But not just any soup.

It was sweet potato, carrot, squash, cherry tomatoes, garlic, red onion, ginger, and peppers—red and green. I wasn’t following a recipe; I was following the rhythm of what was already in my cupboard and fridge. My intention was simple: use what I have, and make something warm, beautiful, and healing for someone I care about.

Because that’s what food is, it’s love in edible form.

Each ingredient I chose held a memory, a reason, a purpose.

The sweet potato, comforting and creamy, brought a sense of grounding.

The squash added warmth and richness, the kind that makes you feel safe.

The carrots, bright and humble, always bring their sweet joy to the pot.

Cherry tomatoes softened the edges with their tangy kiss,

while the garlic and onion did what they always do: laying the foundation, calling everything into harmony.

Ginger added a little zing, a spark of healing.

The peppers, red and green, brought colour, vibrancy, and a little crunch to remind me that food should be fun too.

As I chopped, stirred, and breathed in the fragrance rising from the pot, I thought about the five sacred systems of the body. The ones I always teach my clients and my community to pay attention to. Because these systems work behind the scenes to keep us whole, vibrant, and strong:

• The immune system, our body’s sacred shield
• The gut and microbiome, our emotional and physical centre
• Our DNA, the blueprint of who we are and how we heal
• Our stem cells, the body’s restoration team
• And angiogenesis, the flow of blood and oxygen through every cell, every organ, every breath

This simple soup nourished all five.

Food as Medicine, Made Simple

 

Let me share with you just how powerful each ingredient is:

 Sweet Potato – Feeds your microbiome, supports your stem cells, and is full of vitamin A for your immune system. It’s gentle, soothing, and rich in antioxidants to protect your DNA.

 Carrots – Nature’s little protectors. They’re full of beta-carotene, good for your eyes, your skin, and your cells. They help regulate blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Squash – A winter treasure. Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, perfect for cell regeneration and blood pressure support. It gently fuels the stem cells while calming the gut.

 Cherry Tomatoes – These little bursts of red are packed with lycopene, which helps protect your DNA and calm inflammation. They’re a blessing to your heart and immunity.

 Garlic – I never make soup without garlic. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and yet so humble. It fortifies your immune system and gently nourishes your gut.

 Onion – Another healer, loaded with prebiotics to feed your good gut bacteria. Its flavonoids support your blood vessels, and its quercetin calms the fire of inflammation.

 Red & Green Peppers – These colourful gifts are bursting with vitamin C. They bring energy, boost immunity, and support healthy circulation.

 Ginger – This fiery little root does wonders. It soothes the digestive tract, stimulates blood flow, and has anti-inflammatory powers. It’s like a warm hug for your gut and soul.

More Than a Meal

I made this soup for my friend today, not just to feed her but to honour her. To say, you matter. You’re welcome here. Your healing matters.

And while I know Roy won’t drink it. He doesn’t drink his food and for medical reasons, they had Warm Sourdough Bread with small bowl melted cheese🫕. Her husband can’t drink spicy soup. I still made it with joy. Because the act of preparing, of chopping, of stirring, of blessing, these are rituals. Holy moments.

So often we look outside ourselves for healing.

We search for answers in clinics, supplements, or plans.

But sometimes, the healing is already here.

In your cupboard.

In your spirit.

In your hands.

Would You Like to Make This Too?

This recipe isn’t about perfection.

It’s about presence.

Take what you have.

Use what’s on hand.

Pour in your love.

And stir slowly, with intention.

You are already the healer of your home.

And as you cook, may your own body receive the same love you’re giving.

From my kitchen to yours,

with a full heart,

Verna

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