Recipe of the Month: Turmeric Ginger Pumpkin Soup

Recipe recommended by GRP Runner Natalie Cizmas

This soup is packed with immune-boosting health benefits and is quick and easy to make. Turmeric’s benefits include improved heart health, better brain function and mood (perfect for the colder months ahead), and protection from inflammation. Ginger’s benefits parallel those of turmeric: In addition to being gut-friendly, ginger is helpful at reducing cholesterol and fighting infection. Garlic can act as an antioxidant in the body, while also reducing the risk for brain diseases and reducing blood pressure. The vegetables in this recipe will ensure you get in your daily dose of Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, in addition to iron, potassium, and fiber. 

Ingredients (4 servings): 

  • 3 pound pumpkin skinned, deseeded and roughly chopped

  • 5 Carrots; peeled and roughly chopped

  • 3 Orange peppers de-seeded and roughly chopped

  • 4 c vegetable stock

  • 8 c water

  • 1 Onion chopped

  • 2 cm piece of turmeric finely chopped; or 3/4 t turmeric powder

  • 8 cm piece of ginger finely chopped (around 3-3.5 T fresh or 3/4-1 t dried powder)

  • 6 garlic cloves crushed/chopped

  • 2 T olive oil

  • 1½ t chili flakes optional

Wash, chop, and peel the pumpkin into 1-2 inch pieces, thinly slice the carrots, and roughly chop the peppers. Chop the onion and garlic, and mince the ginger and turmeric (if using fresh). Heat a large pan over medium heat with the oil.

Once hot, add all the onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili flakes (if using), and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions begin to turn translucent. Add the chopped carrot, peppers, and pumpkin, and sauté for another 10-12 minutes until the onions begin to caramelize and the veggies have started to slightly brown and become tender.

Transfer the sautéed ingredients and liquid to a crockpot, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4. You can leave the ingredients as they are, or you can finish by using an immersion blender to turn this into a smooth and creamy pumpkin soup, before seasoning with salt and pepper. 

Adapted from Alphafoodie.com

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