A few years ago, I developed this creamy lemony asparagus soup topped with Cypress Grover Humboldt Fog for Culture magazine. Ever since, I’ve been making it each spring. All you really need is a couple of asparagus bunches, an onion and potato, a handful of parsley, some garlic, and lemon. Everything else—the thyme, veggie stock, cream, and vermouth— are extra, but do make the soup sing. Wedges of ash-lined, soft-ripened humboldt fog make for a fun garnish that add tang and creaminess, but can be easily substituted for any soft, fresh or aged goat cheese.

Mains, SoupsPolina C.May 14, 2020asparagus, soup, vegetarian, spring, vegetableComment

Sweet Potato, Chard, and Bean Soup

This recipe is inspired by the beans and soup my good friend Libby Lyon posted about the other day on her Instagram. She slowly simmered her beans with a few generous glugs of olive oil, herb stems, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper.

Mains, SoupsPolina C.March 31, 2020soup, beans, vegetarian, vegan, sweet potato, healthyComment

Lobio & Mchadi

Lobio is a hearty, yet good-for-you Georgian bean stew chock-full of earthy spices and vibrant herbs that is traditionally served with cornbread.

Mains, GeorgianPolina C.February 7, 2018cornmeal, corncakes, beans, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, dinner, soup, stew, sides, winter Comments

Curried Butternut Squash, Leek, and Apple Soup

This curried butternut squash soup is a golden recipe I've been turning to for years.

Mains, SoupsPolina C.October 27, 2017soup, butternut squash, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, curry, apple, leek, comfort foodComment

Losing My Hand: A Rant

Nothing is ever for certain in the world of medicine. I’ve learned this truth in the way doctors shy away from definitive answers and conclusions. I’ve learned it after countless letdowns. Weeks worth of hopeful wishing and planning out the window, now leaving me with Plan B, C and other letters I haven’t accounted for. I’ve learned all of this to then forget it and be disappointed when things don’t work out as hoped.

Mains, SoupsPolina C.September 10, 2017miso, soup, egg, kimchi, ginger, spinach, tofu, gluten free Comments

Green Borscht

Whenever I tell others that I’m Russian, I often find myself responding to the same old stereotypes: cold, harsh winters, burly men knocking back shots of vodka, and a penchant for “that soup with the beets.”

Mains, Russian, SoupsPolina C.July 19, 2017soup, vegetarian, gluten free, sorrel, borscht, summer, spring Comments

Chicken with Herbs and Tomato (Chakhokhbili)

Birthdays are an interesting thing. Of course as a little kid, birthdays were the best day of the year—you are the birthday prince or princess and anything you say or want, goes. But as you grow older, things change. The day looses its luster for some and then others find that they’re better off without the yearly reminder that time is ticking away. Most likely the hedonist in me, I’ve always loved birthdays. Not only is it an excuse to eat, drink, and be all sorts of merry, but it’s also an occasion to bring together the people in your life to do so. And even when it’s not your birthday you’re celebrating, you can do what I did as a 4-year old and pout in the corner until you get a present too. Sorry, Mom.

Georgian, MainsPolina C.June 17, 2016chicken, cilantro, soup, stew, main, gluten free, fenugreek, basil, summer Comments

Beet Red Borscht

If I had to choose one dish that embodied home for me it is my mother’s borscht, a traditional Eastern European beet soup. There is nothing like sitting down to a piping hot bowl of it, a dollop of thick sour cream slowly swirled in, and for the heck of it, another dollop (or two) smeared on a hearty chunk of bread. Just looking at its gemstone color warms my soul, but one bite—spicy, sweet, sour, rich and creamy—fills me with all sorts of cozy, comforting feelings.

Georgian, Mains, Soups, RussianPolina C.May 25, 2016beet, soup, russian, main Comments

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