Cosy season has well and truly landed! The nights are longer and the weather is colder. Time to warm up and with my favourite recipe for skin-boosting soup that incorporates ingredients known for their potential benefits to skin health:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup spinach (or other leafy greens)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory properties)
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder (antioxidant properties)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the diced carrots, celery, and sweet potato to the pot and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
6. Add the turmeric powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
7. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
8. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth and creamy.
9. Return the soup to the pot and heat it gently if needed.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
This skin-boosting soup incorporates ingredients that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. The onion and garlic provide sulfur compounds that can support collagen production and promote healthy skin. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which can help improve skin tone and protect against sun damage. Celery is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for skin health. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and E, which can help promote a healthy complexion. Spinach adds additional vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron, which support skin health. Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce skin inflammation and promote a healthy glow.
Feel free to customise this soup by adding other skin-boosting ingredients. Remember to listen to your body and make adjustments based on your specific needs and preferences. Enjoy!