Manakintowne Specialty Growers in Powhatan, VA and Sorrel Soup with Toasted Croutons
This success shows in all of the incredible produce that is grown on their 21 acres in Virginia. We saw and tasted some of the most unusual flowers, shoots, lettuces and herbs that we have ever seen. As Jo said, it is all about the flavor, aesthetics and presentation and their gardens are truly a chef’s delight.
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Jo and Rob and appreciate the time Jo took to show us around their farm. It is situated in a beautiful part of Virginia and has made us seriously consider moving to the area. Besides that, if we move there, then I won’t have to grow so much of my own stuff…I can just visit Jo and Rob at Manakintowne!
Jo shipped a box full of wonderful produce to us shortly after our visit. It was filled with Micro Greens, Lavender, edible flowers, Garlic Scapes, Sorrel, Pea Shoots and other wonderful ingredients. I did make three recipes from those beautiful products. One was the Lavender Honey Ice Cream (which we are now addicted to) and one other was this lovely Sorrel Soup. I will share the last recipe with you soon.

These were in my goodie box

This Sorrel became soup!
This soup was a perfect way to begin a dinner party one evening. It was light in texture and elegant. Our guests enjoyed the creaminess and fresh Sorrel flavor in the soup. I created the recipe based on the amount of Sorrel that I had and the other ingredients that were on hand. The potatoes added a nice texture to the soup. I finished the soup with some buttery croutons that I made from a loaf of hearty Artisinal bread.

A small bowl of this soup is a perfect start to a special dinner
If you live in the Richmond area and would like to purchase some of Manakintown’s fresh produce, you can find them at these Farmers’ Markets:
South of the James Market in Forest Hill Park – Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm
Powhatan Farmers’ Market – Thursdays 4 – 7 pm
They are also a member of Fall Line Farms. This is an “on-line farm to family Co-op program designed to connect family owned and operated farms in the central Virginia area with customers in search of local food year round. Fall Line Farms represents more than 75 local farms and businesses serving the falls of the James region.”

I wonder if Jo can send some more Sorrel…the soup was soo good!
Enjoy the recipe!

Sorrel Soup with Toasted Croutons
Ingredients:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 large shallot, minced
4 cups homemade chicken stock (or use Swanson’s Organic Chicken Broth)
12 oz. white potatoes, peeled and diced medium
12 oz. fresh sorrel, rinsed and trimmed
1/2 cup heavy cream, preferably organic
Sea salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Buttered and toasted croutons for serving (made from a hearty Artisanal bread)
Directions:
In a heavy pot or Dutch Oven, melt the butter over medium heat. *Do not use cast iron. Add the shallots and saute over medium heat for just a few minutes, until softened.
Add chicken stock and potatoes and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes. Add sorrel and continue to simmer another 15 – 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and sorrel are very tender. Transfer in batches to either a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Return to the pot. Alternatively, puree in the pan with an immersion blender.
Keep soup warm over medium heat. Add the heavy cream. Check for seasonings and add salt and pepper, as desired.
Top with toasted croutons and serve immediately.
You can refrigerate the leftovers. They will hold for 2-3 days.
Bunkycooks.com
How cool. I went to high school and lived in the Forest Hill neighborhood and had many friends from Powhatan. I’m so happy to see the land flourishing like this!
Hi Gwen,
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve heard about this farm but never had the change to visit. the closer farm seems always more convenient.
I’m going to talk hubby into taking a ride towards Richmond.
What a lovely visit and a fabulous farm! This is the kind of place we love to visit when we can. And one can just see the quality of what she grows even from the photos. What a great piece! And the soup looks lovely – JP loves sorrel soup! And, Gwen, your photos are exquisite!
LOVE Manakintowne! Used their greens in the dishes photographed for my cookbook.
Wish I knew you were here–would have loved to have met you on the field trip!
Hi Debi,
That would have been fun to meet! I did not know you were in the Richmond area. We will definitely have to plan to get together next time we head up that way.
Gwen
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