Pumpkin is in season and it’s the perfect time to be eating warm, nourishing soups...I invented this one, so let me know what you think.

Pumpkin, Quinoa & Coriander Soup:

Serves 8. Prep time 15-20 mins. Cooking time 30 mins.

Ingredients

(Use organic wherever possible)

1 Tbs Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive or Coconut Oil

1 bullet chilli finely chopped (optional)

3-5 cloves of finely chopped garlic

1 10-20c piece of finely chopped ginger

1 tsp. coriander powder

½ tsp. cumin powder

½ a japanese pumpkin cut off skin and chop into 1.5 inch chunks

1 Litre boiled water

1 Tbs Salt

1 Stock cube

1 Cup of red or black quinoa

1 Cup of red lentils

Small tin coconut cream
1 Cup freshly chopped coriander

Method

 

Heat the oil in a large saucepan on a low flame
Add the chilli & ginger for a minute or so
Stir in the garlic and let it caramelise
Stir in coriander & cumin powder
Add pumpkin, quinoa, lentils, stock and salt and bring to the boil
Pour in boiling water from preheated kettle until the chopped pumpkin is covered
Simmer for 20-30 mins
Stir occasionally
Add coconut cream and most of the coriander, stir and let combine for another five mins
Use a stick blender to merge soup to creamy perfection

Serve with fresh coriander as a garnish

If there are leftovers, this soup is great the next day or can be frozen for future convenient meals.

Benefits of key ingredients:

  • Quinoa has a warming thermal nature. This grain warms, strengthens and energises the whole body and specifically. Quinoa has more calcium than milk and more protein than any other grain. It is also a very good source of B & E vitamins and iron.
  • Pumpkin has a cooling thermal nature. It regulates the blood sugar balance and benefits the pancreas, helps clear mucous and relieves damp conditions including eczema, dysentery and oedema.
  • Garlic is pungent in nature; it promotes warmth and energy in the body. It is a natural anti-viral, anti-parasite & anti-biotic. It strengthens the Lung function.
  • Ginger, coriander & cumin are pungent flavours which increase energy, aid digestion and blood circulation.
  • Red Lentils have a neutral thermal nature. They are high in protein, calcium, iron & potassium. They benefit the heart, circulation and adrenals. They correlate to the heart due to their Five Element colour, Fire.

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