If where you live is anything like Bend, Oregon right now, it’s oozing with the feeling of Fall. Pleasant days, chilly nights, and best of all, the colors! The leaves on the Aspens, Maples, and Oaks are red, orange, golden, and hazelnut--intermingled between all the wonderful evergreens, it’s a bright and beautiful sight!
This weather also lends itself any excuse to eat everything pumpkin---granola, bread, ice cream, soup, and any other pumpkin laced food! Pumpkin’s such a guiltless pleasure--low in calories and fat, high in vitamins and phytochemicals--making it even more enjoyable.
The nutrition in this recipe is great for supporting your immune system and reducing inflammation.
Pumpkin and butternut squash are famous for being packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant which provides your body a huge immunity boost! Beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A in your body, and Vitamin A not only maintains healthy immunity overall, it also keeps mucous membranes in top form.
Another perk, the ginger in the recipe is a powerful spice, high in antioxidants and known to reduce inflammation.
Enjoy!
Ginger Pumpkin Butternut Squash Soup
vegan, makes about 6 cups
1 cup canned organic pumpkin (or use fresh roasted if you have on hand)
4 cups butternut squash cubes
1 Tbsp ginger powder
1/3 cup grade B maple syrup
2 Tbsp vegan buttery spread (add more for a richer, more buttery soup)
1/2 tsp pink sea salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
4 leaves fresh sage, torn
1/2 cup+ plain soy milk (or other non-dairy milk)
To Make:
1. Add 4 cups of water to a large pot. Bring to boil. Add in butternut squash cubes and a pinch of salt. Boil until squash is tender - but not falling apart.
2. Drain the squash and add to a Vitamix or high speed blender. Add in the pumpkin, spices, and all the remaining ingredients. For the soy, start with 1/2 cup and keep adding until your soup reaches your desired thickness.
3. Blend. Serve immediately - warm. Or you can simmer on the stove until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh sage leaves.]
In Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
Recipe courtesy of lunchboxbunch.com
