Creamy Carrot Soup

If you are looking for an entree that will tantalize some of your 10,000+ taste buds, this Creamy Carrot Soup will do just that. Some people might pair a wine or cocktail with this meal…I would just serve water as a beverage with this delicious soup so as not to alter any of the tastes you’ll encounter in a single savory spoonful. Instead, I might suggest pairing your meal with a good read like “A Natural History of the Senses,” by Diane Ackerman, or perhaps the poetry of Rumi? After all, even though we pine for the pandemic to be over, one benefit is having more time to make our meals a celebration of the senses while dually assisting our coping mechanisms… for as the famous French chef August Escoffier said, “soup puts the heart at ease.”

1) BRING TO BOIL THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS. COVER AND SIMMER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. LET COOL TO ROOM TEMPERATURE.

2 lbs. carrots (5-6 medium size carrots), peeled, scrubbed, & chopped

5 cups water with 2 veggie bouillon cubes

1½ teaspoon of sea salt

1 medium potato, peeled and scrubbed

2) SAUTE’ IN FRYING PAN

3-4 Tbs. Butter

1 small clove of crushed garlic

1 cup chopped onion

1/3 chopped salted/roasted cashews

1 Teaspoon fresh grated ginger root

3) PUREE EVERYTHING TOGETHER IN A BLENDER UNTIL SMOOTH.

4) RETURN THE PUREE TO SOUP PAN AND WHISK/STIR IN 8 OZ. OF SOUR CREAM AS YOU HEAT VERY SLOWLY.

5) GARNISH WITH ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS; SPRINKLE OF *GOMASIO, A SMALL DOLLOP OF SOUR CREAM, PINCH OF SAFFRON, SPRIGS OF CILANTRO, OR A PINCH OF TOASTED COCONUT

Scientific studies have shown that cooking can alleviate stress or elevate mood. Along with the science, this particular “comfort” soup is also a joy to prepare. As one preps the veggies, takes in the scent of cooking onions, and stirs the pot full of colorful, golden orange carrots, the process becomes a meditation of sorts. My mind becomes peaceful just knowing the nourishing benefits of all the ingredients while anticipating the rewards of good health! For instance, carrots, the main ingredient, can help to; lower cholesterol, lower risks to developing lung and breast cancer, help to lower blood pressure, and can bolster bone health. Carrots contain antioxidants that help slow the aging process, and, can help stop memory loss. Carrots are a natural anti-inflammatory due to being a rich source of potassium and magnesium. They also contain natural antiseptic and antibacterial compounds which boost the strength of the immune system. The beta-carotene has also been shown to speed up the healing process of wounds and injuries, while the antioxidants fight to decrease infection and inflammation throughout the body. Last, but not least, carrots are known for containing a generous amount of Vitamin A, the vitamin well known for promoting excellent eyesight! Case in point - I’ve never seen a rabbit wearing glasses have you???

It’s so important to keep our bodies in the best health possible as we navigate the tumultuous time of this pandemic. This soup embodies many medicinal qualities that enhance our health without sacrificing taste.

Please enjoy.…Bon Appetite!

*Gomasio can be bought in the spice area of your grocer or you can make it fresh. You’ll need some sesame seeds, sea salt, frying pan, a bowl and a wooden spoon/pestal. You can get a bowl (surabachi) with ridges inside which would be helpful, but not absolutely necessary. First take about a cup of seeds and toast them in your frying pan. Once toasted, place the seeds in your bowl/surabachi. Add about 1 Tbs. of the sea salt to the toasted sesame seeds and take your wooden spoon or pestal and grind the warm sesame seeds and sea salt together. Not only is Gomasio a wonderful garnish for Creamy Carrot Soup, but also a wonderful addition to sprinkle on a stir fry, broiled salmon, roasted vegetables, and more. For additional information on the benefits of Gomasio and how to prepare it - check out this link : http://www.macrodiet.com/Gomasio.shtml

benefits of all the ingredients while anticipating the rewards of good health!