Plantaform Recipes: Autumn Soup with Basil
Courtesy of Plantaform grower Renata, this Autumn Soup is a cozy way to use fresh basil grown in your Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden. One plant pod of basil from the Herb Essentials Plant Pack is all you need for the herb — follow the ingredients and method below.
Ingredients
- 1 plant pod of Basil (from the Herb Essentials Plant Pack), chopped, for garnish
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 leeks, white part only
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 cups squash, diced
- 3 cups well-seasoned stock
- 2–3 cups 10% cream (or more stock) — can sub ½ with coconut milk (makes it sweeter)
- 2 oz dry white wine (or more)
Method
- In a large pot, melt the butter, add the onions and vegetables, and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the stock, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Puree with an immersion blender or food processor.
- Stir in the cream and wine. Heat slowly, but do not boil. Season if needed.
Harvest basil any time of day once the leaves are full, rinse gently, and chop just before serving. Spoon the soup into bowls and finish with the fresh basil as a garnish.
Grow the Basil for This Soup
Basil is included in the Herb Essentials Plant Pack (Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Parsley, Oregano, and Cilantro). Each Plant Pack has 15 recyclable plant pods — enough to fill the egg-shaped Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden’s three horizontal rows of five.
The garden uses soil-free fogponics with a 2 L top tank and a 7 L bottom tank. Most gardens need a refill every 2–3 weeks. Full-spectrum red and white LEDs auto-adjust by growth stage. For setup and care, see the Plant Pack Instruction Sheet, the Growing Guide and our Getting Started guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Plant Pack has basil?
The Herb Essentials Plant Pack includes Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Parsley, Oregano, and Cilantro. Browse all options in Shop Plant Packs.
When should I harvest basil for this recipe?
Harvest any time of day once the leaves are full. Snip what you need, rinse gently, and chop just before serving so the flavour stays bright as a garnish on the soup.
How often do I refill the garden?
Most gardens need a refill every 2–3 weeks. The top tank holds 2 L and the bottom tank holds 7 L.
Where can I get more help?
Visit the Help Center for the FAQ and Growing Guide, or email support@plantaform.com.
Ready to Grow Your Own Basil?
Start with the Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden and the Herb Essentials Plant Pack, then cook Renata’s Autumn Soup with basil you grew yourself. More recipes and tips are on the way — questions anytime at support@plantaform.com.
