This soup is not only delicious, but healing in so many ways. Read below to read about the healing properties of this soup. Food really is thy medicine!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 2 onions, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 6c vegetable broth or organic chicken broth
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4c fresh grated ginger (you can use less if you like, but this is the healing part of this soup!)
- 1c flax milk or any other dairy alternative
- 1 tsp clove powder
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Directions
- In a 6-qt pain, over medium heat, add the ghee and onions and cook, stirring often until onions are limp. Add broth, carrots, garlic and ginger. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender when pierced.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a blender. Don’t fill the blender more than half way, do it in batches if you have to. Cover the blender and then hold a kitchen towel over the top of the blender*. Be careful when blending hot liquids as the mixture can spurt out of the blender. Pulse the blender to start it and then puree until smooth. Return to the pan and add cream, stir over high heat until hot. For a smoother flavor bring soup to a boil, add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with dollop sour cream and parsley sprigs.
Health benefits:
Benefits of Ingredients:
1. Ginger- it is a rhizome plant that has been used in medicine for 4700 years! IT is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent which can improve CVD, indigestion, immune system, respiratory function, and bacterial infections. “The Journal of Microbiology and Antimicrobials published a study in 2011 that tested just how effective ginger is in enhancing immune function. Comparing the ability of ginger to kill Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with conventional antibiotics, Nigerian researchers discovered that the natural solution won every time!” (Axe, n.d.)
2. Carrots-Carrots are high in beta carotene, which gives them that beautiful color. Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is important for healthy vision but also for a strong immune system. Carotenoids found in carrots are potent antioxidants that can reduce your risk of disease due to free radicals, bacteria, viruses and inflammation. he antioxidants that are responsible for carrot and carrot juice benefits include: vitamin C, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin. “Carrots are one of the highest natural sources of carotenoid phytochemicals and antioxidant beta carotene,both of which fight cancer by stopping DNA damage, levels of inflammation and cell mutation” (Levy, 2015). Did you also know that carrots can improve your oral health as well? That’s right, certain minerals in carrots can be anti-bacterial and help prevent cavities and tooth decal, remove plaque and stains and boost digestion (Levy, 2015.). And finally, carrots can improve memory and defend against cognitive decline.
3. Onions-Onions are loaded health benefits such as vitamin C, B6, iron, folate and potassium. The manganese content in onions provides cold and flu relief with its anti-inflammatory abilities. It also contains allium and allyl disulphide, that convert to allicin when the bulb is cut or crushed due to enzyme activation. Studies show that these compounds have cancer and diabetes-fighting properties, while decreasing blood vessel stiffness by releasing nitric oxide. This can reduce blood pressure, inhibit platelet formation and help decrease markers of cardiovascular disease. Onions are also an excellent source of flavonoids and phytochemicals. One in particular is quercetin, which is an antioxidant that may be linked to preventing cancer.
4. Ghee-Ghee is truly delicious in vegetables and gives it a buttery taste without the inflammation. It is packed with fat soluble vitamins (E, K) and are highly absorbing in a leaky gut. It is free of lactose, casein, contains conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and is loaded with butyrate, which is a short chain fatty acid that plays a role in gut health. ome studies have suggested that it may help support healthy insulin levels, fight off inflammation, and provide relief for individuals suffering from conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (Axe, n.d.). This important fatty acid is made when you eat fiber, so eating ghee with vegetables seems like a dazzling duo. It is food for your microbiome and may help fight inflammation
5. Garlic-the benefits are most when eaten raw after they have been chopped. Or left out for 10 minutes before cooked. The key is to chop them! Garlic is high in manganese, B6, Vit C, selenium and fiber. Garlic also has potent antimicrobial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The active compounds can also reduce blood pressure, lowers LDL cholesterol, and help enhance liver detox pathways.
References
Axe,John. (n.d.) 12 Medicinal Benefits of Ginger. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/10-medicinal-ginger-health-benefits/
Levy, J. (2o15) Top 7 Ways Carrots & Carrot Juice Benefit Your Body. Retrieved (2019, December 29) from https://draxe.com/carrot-juice/
