Fall has arrived and that usually means a little more scheduling and less spur of the moment dinners. It is still possible to whip up something nutritious on cooler days. This is on my go to list when things get busy. Simple ingredients, packed with goodness. I pop it on the stove in the afternoon, bring it to a boil and then let is sit off to the side until it is needed. That keeps the colours bright. If you are coming home from work to start dinner from scratch, simmer the ingredients a little longer before blending the vegetables smooth.
The old wives tale is true. Carrots do help your vision. The beta-carotene that carrots are full of is converted in the liver to Vitamin A where it helps flush out toxins and reduces fat and bile. In the retina of the eye the Vitamin A is converted once again to rhodopsin, a purple pigment needed for night vision. Research also shows beta-carotene and the lutein, also in carrots, to be helpful against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. So as you age, don’t give up on carrots because beta-carotene also helps to promote healthier skin and slow down its signs of aging. You can even use it as a face mask!
Onions are immunity boosters that also help control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation, healing infections. Did you know that a little onion juice on the affected can relieve the pain of a bee sting? They also scavange free radicals in your body, helping cells to function better and live longer.
Ginger can aid in reducing nausea, fighting colds and flues and helping indigestion. The gingerol in ginger has intense anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help with morning and seasickness. Osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint pain issues may also benefit from regularly including ginger in meals. Heart, blood sugar, high cholesterol, brain function and infection reduction benefits has also been seen in research on ginger.
All in all a good powerhouse of health benefits in a quick and simple soup. I often serve this with rosemary or sage oatcakes. The ginger, salt and honey are, as always, adjustable to your taste.
You will need:
3 – 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 onion, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 inches of ginger, peeled and sliced, adjust to your taste
1/2 tsp. sea salt to taste
1 – 2 Tbsp. honey to taste
“In a magical kitchen, something is always brewing” and with all the lovely health benefits available here you might get away with considering this a potion. Wash hands, close eyes, let the warm water wash the niggles away, shift focus, deep breath and begin.
Place carrots, onions and ginger into a pot and add enough water to just cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, take off the heat and leaving the lid, on set aside until needed.
Puree with a mixing stick, flavour to taste, heat and serve. Done! It really doesn’t get much easier.
Carrot Ginger Soup from My Kitchen Wand
