This Sunday is Palm Sunday. Week 5 of our Lenten Family Soup Suppers series encourages us to consider how we face challenges. Do we face them head-on knowing Jesus is at our side?

For Friday, April 3

(Download a printable copy of recipe and reflection questions here.)

Creamy Potato- Leek Soup with White Beans

2 ½ lbs. potatoes, ½ inch cubes (Yukon gold recommended) – about 4 ½ C.

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 medium/large leeks, sliced (white & pale green parts only)

1 ½ tsp. Herbes de Provence

Pinch of red pepper flakes

2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans, drained & rinsed

5 C. chicken or vegetable broth

¼ C. heavy whipping cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté leeks until softened, about 5 minutes. Add herbs & cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth, potatoes, beans, salt & pepper. Bring to boil and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Remove from heat and stir in cream to incorporate.

Top with a grated hard, aged cheese (such as Asiago, Parmesan Reggiano, or Gruyere)

Palm Sunday Gospel

For April 5 | Full reading Mt. 21: 1-11 (Gospel before the procession)

“Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples . . . brought the donkey. . . and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds . . . kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.”

Reflections for the cook:

Jesus didn’t avoid the costly and frightening work of saving us. He rode straight into Jerusalem. What challenging, even painful, work – internal, external, relational – might I be avoiding? If I imagine facing these difficulties head-on, with Jesus at my side, how does that change my perspective?

Discussion for the dinner table:

What normally goes along with fame and leadership roles in our society? (Being on TV, limos, money, etc.?) What does Jesus teach us about true leadership? (No limo for him. . . a borrowed donkey. . . and yes, lots of popularity on Palm Sunday. . . but when the crowds changed their tune, it didn’t stop Jesus from walking straight towards Calvary on Good Friday.)

Copyright 2020 The Well. Written by Kristi Quinlan

Kristi Quinlan is new to Des Moines, moving to the area for her husband Tom's work. After earning her BA in education from the University of Dallas, Kristi spent several years studying and working as a Catholic missionary. She enjoyed five years as a parish Faith Formation Director in the suburbs of Chicago, until she landed a new "full-time job" at home keeping up with her two sons (3 and 1). Kristi is constantly seeking outlets for creativity whether that's in the kitchen, on canvas, or within the sphere of Catholic ministry.