LOU'S RECIPE : GREEN GODDESS IMMUNITY BOOSTING SOUP
I love my green smoothies, they are the easiest way to get a ton of greens into my diet, but during the winter months when it gets a bit chilly, I don’t always fancy something cold, I want something really warming. This nourishing soup is the cold weather equivalent to your power smoothie.
It’s a vibrant soup packed with everything you need to get through the winter season with fully supported health. I’m so excited about sharing this recipe with you because I’ve packed it with some of my favourite ingredients to specifically target, strengthen and support your immune system - every ingredient in this magical soup has a job to do to help keep those dreaded germs at bay:
What’s in the soup and why?
Chicken Stock: Bone broth can heal all kinds of ills. It provides hydration, clears clogged passages, and eases cold and flu symptoms
Spinach and other dark leafy greens: They’re high in Vitamin C and antioxidants to fight infections
lemon & lime juice: citrus fruit is high in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system by helping to produce white blood cells to fight off infections
broccoli: rich in anti-oxidants
garlic: fights infections
ginger: fights inflammations and toxins
turmeric: an anti-inflammatory spice that’s been used medicinally for centuries
cayenne + black pepper: a powerful anti-inflammatory
wasabi: relieves congestion (optional)
pumpkin seeds: high in Zinc for strengthening the immune system
brazil nuts: contains selenium which is an antioxidant that lowers oxidative stress in the body, reducing inflammation and enhancing immunity
almonds: packed with Vitamin E, which is great for your immune system
coconut milk: provides Vitamin C, anti-oxidants, and energy
live yogurt/kefir: packed with probiotics to support gut health, vital for a strong immune system as most of your immune system is based in your gut
Servings: 1
Time to create: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
3 handfuls of spinach
1 clove garlic
2 Tbsp fresh ginger sliced
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp wasabi powder (optional)
1 cup chicken bone broth or vegetable broth (or sub with chicken/veg stock../but you won’t get all the amazing bone broth benefits)
1/2 cup coconut milk
pinch salt and black pepper to taste
squeeze of fresh lemon and/or lime juice
TO GARNISH:
A cooked broccoli floret
1 Tbsp live yoghurt/kefir
Chopped almonds and brazil nuts and a handful of pumpkin seeds
METHOD :
Pop everything into a food processor. Blitz until you have your desired texture.
Add more stock/water if you like the texture smoother.
Heat the soup on the stove, but cook it just long enough to heat it through, you want to retain all those nutrients.
Pour into a bowl and garnish with a cooked broccoli floret, a swirl of yogurt, and the chopped nuts and pumpkin seeds.
Enjoy! That vibrant colour lets you know you’re putting something good into your body!
LOU’S TOP TIP
I recommend that you enjoy this immune boosting soup regularly over the winter season, and you can switch up the ingredients a little avoid flavour fatigue by adding in different immune boosters:
mushrooms: antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-oxidant
carrots: the Vitamin A helps build immunity
cauliflower, watercress, Brussels Sprouts: rich in anti-oxidants just like broccoli
peppers: these immune boosting powerhouses have even more Vitamin C than citrus fruit (red peppers have the most.)