Easy Sardinian Herb Soup

 Easy Sardinian Herb Soup

When I think of Blue Zones, certain areas of the world come to mind.  Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, California, and Sardinia, Italy come to mind first.  I started doing a little research into what these areas offered that helped more people reach the age of 100 and beyond!  So, as I was doing my research, I realized that some of these areas were not particularly rich in any way.  In fact, the people of Sardinia were not by any means wealthy but lived a simple life in a small community.  I think the reason so many people reach the age of 100 comes down to a few simple factors, a clean environment, healthy food, and a sense of community.  Eating clean, nutrient-dense foods is a factor in why people can make it to their 100th birthday but it is not everything.  A sense of purpose and community are vital in someone's life.  In the not-so-distant past, people usually didn't live far from their families, both immediate and extended.  Most people had a support system that consisted of many people interconnected by family relationships and marriage.  Over the years, as people got educated and left small towns for big cities and job opportunities, these communities of family and kinship groups have been decimated....except in certain areas.   Where people had less money to get an education, there was less movement, more preservation of culture, and more community of like-minded individuals. These blue zone communities foster environments that promote longevity by promoting activities that lead to healthy long lives.  Physical activity, heart-healthy meals, and social interaction help individuals thrive well into their nineties and beyond.  Communities, where people are forced to commute to work, live socially isolated, and rely on processed foods due to highly demanding schedules, do not help people thrive into their 90s and beyond.  Many people who might make it to their late nineties only survive until their mid to late 70s or 80s.  When I think about it, the most vulnerable populations are our children and our elderly.  Once people reach a certain age, they become vulnerable to social isolation, disease, lack of exercise, etc.  People at a certain age need certain things to thrive.  Many people begin to lose a sense of purpose once their children leave the nest and/or they retire.  Sometimes, people decide to return to work as they cannot find that sense of purpose apart from raising children or working.  

But life is a beautiful gift and we can always find a sense of purpose if we just find the time to do something we enjoy.  I have started to make it a priority to create a community wherever I am.  Reach out to whoever is around you, whether it is your neighbor, someone you met at Church or Temple, or the parent of your child's friend at school.  You will realize that people would love to meet up, go for a walk, and go hiking in the hills.  Find something you enjoy doing and cultivate new skills. I talked to this man in his nineties today and he said that at eighty he was still wind surfing off the coast of Southern California.  He was doing what he enjoyed at eighty and he is still here in his nineties.  You can find joy and purpose in creating art, cultivating skills, or exercising with friends.  My mother-in-law has a weekly game night at her home.  She is still very active but she makes it a priority to foster her friendships and activities.  When you lean into friends and family, you begin to realize how enriching relationships are to your life.  You share the journey here on Earth with others who are on the path with you.  

Although I am sharing this delicious recipe from Sardinia, Italy, which I really do hope you enjoy making and eating of course, but I also want to impart something deeper.  It is not just the food you eat that helps you live a beautiful long life, but the love that you bring to the world, in your creation and your relationships! 

This Sardinian Herb Soup is definitely delicious!  I made this for my parents when they were visiting a month ago and I know it was a hit.  The Sardinian Herb Soup is basically a soup that makes use of seasonal ingredients that supposedly grow in and around Sardinia.  I imagine people gathering herbs in the fields, placing them in baskets, and then walking home to create a delicious soup with crusty bread for the family to enjoy!  Well, here it is...complete with delicious, locally-made cheese.  

Ingredients:

4 ounces cubed pancetta

1 bunch Italian parsley, stems separated, minced, and set aside, and leaves roughly chopped

1 1/2 tsp fennel seeds

1/2 cup dry white wine

salt and pepper to taste

2 quarts low sodium chicken broth

3/4 cups Israeli couscous

15 ounce can white beans, rinsed and drained

4 large garlic cloves, minced

2 ounces pecorineo Romano cheese, grated

6 cups organic baby arugula leaves, roughly chopped

2 tbsp dried tarragon or 1/2 cup fresh tarragon

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat and add the pancetta.  Cook, stirring for 6 minutes.  Add the parsley stems, fennel seeds, wine, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
3. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.  Lower the heat to a simmer and add the Israeli couscous.  Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the beans, garlic, parsley leaves, and half of the pecorino Romano.
5. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
6. Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the arugula and tarragon.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with the rest of the pecorino Romano sprinkled on top!

Enjoy this delicious and healthy herb soup!