Well, it’s officially that time of year. Soup season! Or should I say soup and one-pot season. There is nothing more comforting on these long dark evenings than a hearty bowl of steaming hot goodness . And this one feels like a hug in a bowl. Maybe its the rich colour, maybe it’s the gorgeous aromas from the spices. Who knows but it always puts a smile on my face.
I treat soup a bit like I do a bowl of chilli – basically it’s a great vehicle for lot’s of additional flavours, textures and nutrients. So on goes a dollop of live yoghurt, a large handful of coriander and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added crunch. I also love a bit of feta on top of blended soups to cut through the creaminess. Yum.
I don’t know about you but I’m not a fan of cream in soups or thickeners such flour – it just feels unnecessary when you can easily get the consistency you want with an ingredient that brings an extra hormone balancing punch – like lentils. They are such an under-rated thickener and add a much needed protein boost to a meal like this.
The thing I love most about soup though is that its a great excuse to break out the crusty bread. A delicious sourdough or rye loaf goes amazingly with this. What’s your favourite?
Am I making you hungry? Off you go then – you can whip this up in less than an hour. Enjoy!
AuthorSuzanneCategoryLight meals, Soups and One PotsDifficultyBeginnerIn a large pot, heat a tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and soft.
Add sweet potato, carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Sprinkle cumin, sweet paprika, garam masala, turmeric and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat the veggies evenly with the spices.
Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot.
Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring it covers all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the lentils and veggies are tender.
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. If you prefer a chunky soup, skip this step.
Ingredients
Health Benefits of my Butternut, Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
- Sweet Potato is rich in Vitamin A, essential for hormone production. It also contains fibre for digestive health, aiding in nutrient absorption and antioxidants that combat inflammation and promote hormonal balance.
- Carrots are high in beta-carotene for supporting healthy oestrogen metabolism. They are also high in fibre for gut health and blood sugar balance.
- The quercetin in onions, may help regulate oestrogen levels. Onions also contain sulphur compounds for liver detoxification, crucial for hormonal balance.
- Celery contains apigenin, which may have anti-oestrogenic effects.
- Garlic contains allicin which supports liver function and hormone detoxification. It has anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall hormonal health.
- Cumin supports digestion, ensuring proper nutrient absorption for hormone production. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Sweet paprika is rich in antioxidants, promoting overall health and reducing inflammation. It also contains capsaicin, which may support metabolism and hormonal balance.
- Garam Masala contains spices like cinnamon and cardamom, known for potential anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulation effects.
- Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It supports liver health, aiding in hormone metabolism.
- Butternut squash is high in fibre for gut health and blood sugar balance. It is also rich in Vitamin A, essential for hormone synthesis.
- Red lentils are an excellent plant-based protein source for hormone production. They are also high in fiber, supporting digestive health.
As ever, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe. I’d also love you to share your favourite soups to give us all inspiration for warming meals through the Winter. For more hormone supporting recipes like this one keep an eye on the recipe blog. And if you’re interested in nutrition for midlife and menopause, or how to combat emotional eating then head to my blog where you’ll find lots of posts offering practical tips for staying well in midlife and beyond.
If you like what you’ve read and would like more practical information and tips on nutrition, lifestyle and mindset for midlife women then I’d love it if you followed me @motherflushingmidlife at the social links below.
