Souper Foods

Today I made Superfood Soup

Over the last number of years I've done a lot of research into "Superfoods". I try to include as many of these Superfoods into my recipes as possible. The main ingredient in today's recipe is Broccoli. Broccoli is a nutrient packed vegetable containing many vitamins, minerals, trace element, fiber, calcium and antioxidants that all play an important role in keeping the body healthy. It's a powerful anti-carcinogen, since it stimulates the body to produce its own cancer-fighting substances. But Broccoli doesn't stop there, it can also help prevent cataracts, heart disease, arthritis, ulcers and viruses. Garlic is used to give this soup a punch of flavour. Garlic is more powerful than penicillin in it's potency while promoting the immune system.

Another Super ingredient in this soup is Curly Kale. Curly Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and Phytochemicals, it contains move calcium per 100g than milk, yogurt, broccoli or spinach. It has been known to cause cell repair, meaning it has cancer fighting properties. It has also been linked to reduction of cholesterol and a decrease in the absorption of fat in your diet. Leeks are another important ingredient in this soup. Leeks are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitaman E and some B Vitamins including Folate. They also contain properties that support the immune system and lower cholesterol. All these ingredients produce a tasty soup that will fight to keep you healthy.

Ingredients:

(Serves 4)   

For the Soup:

• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 Large Onion
• 1 Leek
• 1 Head of Broccoli
• Large bunch of Curly Kale
• Tablespoon of Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• 500g Vegetable Stock
• 80g Cheddar Cheese

For the Croutons:

• 1 Slice of gluten free bread
• 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
• Pinch of Sea Salt

Instructions:

1. Crush the two clove of Garlic. Finely slice the Large Onion. Cut up the Broccoli into small florets, finely dice the Leek and roughly chop the Curly Kale. 

2. Drizzle the Olive Oil into a large pan. Fry the Garlic and Onion till softened. Add a splash of the Vegetable Stock to prevent the onions from colouring. 

3. Add in the Broccoli, Leek and Curly Kale. Stir around and allow to fry for 3-4 minutes. Add in all but 100mls of Stock in to the vegetables and stir.

4. Cook until all vegetables are soft. Blitz with a hand blender until fully blended or place into a smoothie maker to blend. 

5. Add in any extra stock that may be needed until you reach your desired consistency. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.

6. Cut up your slice of bread into small cubes. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add in the cubes of bread. Fry till golden brown and sprinkle with the Sea Salt.

 7. Take up a portion into a large Soup Bowl, Sprinkle a pinch of Cheddar Cheese in the center of each bowl and top with three of four crispy croutons.

"Soup-er Foods"