Summer is here so it’s picnic time. In fact, today (18th June) is International Picnic Day. Which is probably why it’s pouring with rain……..;) Continue reading “Mini crustless quiches”
Category: Blog
No-fish pie
Today – 8th June – is World Oceans Day*, a day for raising awareness about just how much we rely on the oceans for our survival, and just how rapidly we are damaging them, and those that live in, on and around them. Continue reading “No-fish pie”
Asparagus and broccoli barley risotto
Barley is one of those grains that often hangs out at the back of the kitchen cupboard collecting dust. It’s a great grain to have on hand, but what exactly do you do with it……? Continue reading “Asparagus and broccoli barley risotto”
Every day is Earth Day
April 21st is Earth Day. You’ll no doubt see lots of articles and social media posts about it (including this one of course 😉 ), but what is Earth Day and do the actions we take today really make any difference? Continue reading “Every day is Earth Day”
Savoury carrot flapjacks
With the kids back at school and more people at their place of work rather than at home, packed lunches are back in focus. It can be hard to know what to put in that’s healthy, unprocessed and, of course, tasty. It’s even more challenging if you are creating packed lunches for a nut free environment, particularly schools. Continue reading “Savoury carrot flapjacks”
Keeping it simple
There’s no getting away from it, food has got super complicated! Every day I come across a new article or piece of research that claims a specific nutrient is the new cure for a disease or chronic health problem. Today’s one covered how vitamin C and E, but not other nutrients, could prevent Parkinson’s Disease. How much of these and why, they weren’t sure. And of course it concluded that more research is needed! Continue reading “Keeping it simple”
Quick leek, mushroom and broccoli pasta sauce
As its St David’s Day today (1st March), it seemed only right that I share something connected to Wales. Apart from stunning scenery and lush green countryside, the three things that spring to my mind are daffodils, sheep and leeks. And there’s only one of those that can feature in one of my recipes, so leeks it is! Continue reading “Quick leek, mushroom and broccoli pasta sauce”
Your daily bread
It’s nearly a year since the Covid19 Pandemic forced us into a series of lockdowns. With many of our normal every day activities taken away, there’s been a surge in home activities. Ranging from gardening, home exercise classes, learning a language to an increase in baking. One of the most prominent ones – certainly on social media – has been bread making. Continue reading “Your daily bread”
Sweet potato flatbread
Having an intolerance to yeast means that most bread items are off the menu for me. Yeast pops up everywhere in most cuisines, so finding an alternative can be a challenge – and rather restrictive. Continue reading “Sweet potato flatbread”
Parsnip and cauliflower soup
I love parsnip soup. And I love cauliflower soup. So it only seemed like a natural progression to try the two together. And it was definitely worth doing!
When cooked, parsnips are naturally ‘creamy’ – and so is cauliflower. When cooked and blended together, it creates a lovely rich and unctuous texture that is wonderfully comforting, perfect for those grey January days.
I’ve used both a curry powder mix that contains turmeric as well as a little additional turmeric. This is to ensure that as well as super tasty, this soup also gives the immune system a bit of a helping hand.
Turmeric is a beautifully golden yellow spice (or root rather) that contains some powerful medicinal compounds that have been well researched for their positive effects on both the body and the brain. The main compound studied is curcumin, although there are many more within turmeric that all work together as a team, so as always, trust nature and consume turmeric as a whole rather than an individual compound.
To maximise absorption of these helpful compounds, it’s best to consume alongside some black pepper (for the compound piperine that massively aids absorption) and a little fat. As you know, all my food is cooked without oil, but I have included some almond milk plus I like to garnish my soup with a drizzle of cold-pressed flaxseed oil. This provides some healthy omega 3 fatty acids and helps absorption of the turmeric compounds.
This soup keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days plus it freezes well, so you can make a big batch and have portions on hand when you need a tasty lunch that will hug you from the inside out! Enjoy.
Parsnip and cauliflower soup
A deliciously thick and warming soup perfect for chilly winter days.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 4 medium parsnips peeled and diced
- 1/2 medium cauliflower chopped into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1.5-2 teaspoons medium curry powder
- 700 ml vegetable stock
- 100 ml almond milk or dairy-free milk of choice
- salt and pepper to taste
- drizzle cold pressed flaxseed oil optional
Instructions
- Place a medium-sized pan on a medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and sauté for 5 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
- Tip the parsnips into the pan and sauté for 3 minutes, then add the cauliflower and garlic along with a little extra water to stop it sticking to the base of the pan. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the ground turmeric and curry powder and stir in to coat the veggies. Pour over the vegetable stock and bring to the boil.
- Pop on the saucepan lid, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Turn off the heat and add the almond or dairy-free milk of choice. Using a stick blender, blend to smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently reheat if necessary then serve piping hot with a little extra black pepper and glug of flaxseed oil