Try my pumpkin quinoa + coriander soup this autumn!

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.