Cinnamon Butternut Squash Soup
On a chilly day the need for a warming soup is always a delicious and easy option. This cozy Cinnamon Butternut Squash soup is perfect for a cold afternoon and provides a wonderful immune boost with additional anti-inflammatory benefits. Butternut Squash and Carrots provide vitamin A and beta-carotene which are helpful for vision, hair, skin, and immune support. Garlic, ginger and cinnamon are helpful anti-inflammatory spices. Garlic contains the unique sulfur containing compound, allicin which helps to decrease oxidative stress. Ginger root contains potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to decrease pain for those with arthritic conditions. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar, provides anti-microbial benefits, helps to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and provides anti-inflammatory support as well.
Serves: 2-3 servings (16 oz/serving)
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 garlic cloves garlic
1 yellow onion, chopped
1-2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
2 tsp sage
2 cups low sodium vegetable broth (you can make your own from pulp)
1 cup water
1 cup chopped turnip (2-3 small, or 1 medium-large)
1 cup butternut squash (or 1 small squash, peeled and seeds removed)
8, Large (7” long) carrots (or 1 cup chopped)
Salt/pepper to taste
1 tbsp honey
Crushed pistachios, chopped parsley or almonds (optional for garnish)
Directions:
Add coconut oil to saucepan on medium high heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 3 minutes until the onion begins to turn translucent. Add minced garlic and spices and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
Add broth, water, squash and turnips and bring to a rapid boil.
Once the saucepot turns to a rapid bowl, turn down and let simmer for 20 minutes.
Use an immersion blender or use your blender to mix this soup into a consistent base. Add salt/pepper and agave (optional) to taste test to your liking.
Serve with crushed pistachios or a nut of your choice (walnuts, pecans, almonds).
Enjoy!! (If you are saving the rest for tomorrow, allow the soup to cool completely and seal in 16-20 oz mason jar. Keep cool and bring in a cooler until you plan to open! =))
The combination of foods and spices contain a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with anti-inflammatory properties and an immune boosting punch. Chronic inflammation is at the root of disease and has been associated with obesity, allergies, skin conditions, diabetes, arthritis and chronic pain. However, eating a diet including plenty of colorful vegetables can be helpful. What are some anti-inflammatory foods, herbs and spices to include in your diet?
Omega 3 fatty acids: Flaxseed oil, Flax seeds, Wild-Caught Salmon, Walnuts
Leafy Greens: Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Collards rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and Vitamin C
Cruciferous Veggies: Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage, Bok Choy contain sulfur containing compounds powerful to combat inflammation and harmful radicals
Orange colored veggies: Squash, carrots, sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene
Vitamin C rich foods: Red Peppers, Citrus Fruits, Kiwi, leafy greens, berries
Berries: Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries etc. have potent antioxidant capacity to scavenge free radicals
Specific Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, Garlic, ginger root, cinnamon
Just to give you a sample of how to incorporate this recipe into an anti-inflammatory meal plan, your day might look something like this:
AM Wake Up: Hot water with ½ lemon, 1 nob of ginger minced/juiced, ½ tsp turmeric,
AM Juice: Green Juice (Kale, lemon, ginger, parsley, pineapple) and scrambled eggs
Lunch: Cinnamon Butternut Squash Soup **Today’s Recipe!
PM Snack: ¼ c walnuts with greek yogurt
PM Dinner: Stir fry of mixed vegetables with quinoa and chicken (*If you like fish, include grilled wild-caught salmon)
Optional Dessert: 1 oz dark chocolate