Creamy Ginger

As the winter drags on, it becomes increasingly difficult for many of us to keep our spirits high and our hearts warm. We at Hillary Coley Pilates & Personal Training have been stressing the importance of regular exercise to lift our moods and help break us out of the cold weather slump.  We also want to stress the importance of nutritious, healthy meals as a way of boosting out mood, immune system and overall sense of well-being. In a series of posts’, we would like to share some of our favorite recipes and set you on the track to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
 
These recipes are part of a bigger program that I would like to slowly introduce you too called Triple S; or Soups, Salads and Smoothies. Each recipe is packed full of nutrition, with tons of vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices and superfoods.  Adding even one of the recipes to your daily diet is going to boost your energy, strengthen your immune system and supercharge your mood. 
 
The first recipe in our series is a Creamy Ginger and Carrot soup.  Before we get to the recipe let’s take a quick look at why the ingredients pack such a powerful punch!

Ginger

Ginger is by far one of the healthies spices around. Originating in China, Ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal.  We are all aware of the beautiful flavor and zest ginger adds to our culinary dishes, but it also has various medicinal benefits.  It has had a long history in herbal medicine, and modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.  Ginger has also been proven to reduce symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness and cold sweating as well as having a strong anti-vomiting action.  And most importantly, by promoting healthy sweating, ginger actively boosts your immune system.

Carrots

Carrots are an abundant an easily accessible root vegetable high in beta-carotene and fiber.  Low in calories, this delicious vegetable is high in vitamins A, C, K, and B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper and manganese.  Eaten regularly, they have been shown to aid in lowering cholesterol levels which in turn helps to prevent heart-related problems.  With their high potassium levels, they help to regulate blood pressure and as a rich source of vitamins they boost your immune system with their antiseptic and antibacterial abilities.  And of course, we all know the old but proven wives’ tale that carrots give you good eyesight.
 
The following recipe boasts a fantastic nutritional punch and the added bonus; it’s easy to make!!  So, whip up a bowl or a pot, eat it hot or cold with your favorite whole grain bread and keep those winter blues at bay.

Creamy Ginger Carrot soup

Yield: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
  
• 1 small onion, chopped
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  
• 6 carrots, washed and chopped into 1/2” pieces
  
• 1 ½ cups coconut milk, unsweetened
  
• 1 cup vegetable broth
  
• 4 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  
• Black pepper and sea salt

Directions

1. Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the ginger and garlic to the onions, and cook for another minute.  Add the cumin and stir well for 30 seconds.
3. Add the chopped carrots and sauté for a few minutes, then add the coconut milk and vegetable broth.  Lower heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender.
4. Puree soup with an immersion blender or standard blender. (use caution when using a standard blender.  The soup will be hot!!)  If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or coconut milk.
5. Add the desired amount of lemon juice plus season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve hot.