“Creamy Savory Vegetable Soup” - Full Liquids

I adapted this recipe, from the book CLEAN, by Alehandro Junger.  It’s become a staple for me as I’m re-booting.  It’s a great recipe for anyone on full liquids, craving savory flavors, and looking for great nutrition.  During prep - all vegetables can be cut into large chunks; this recipe is so easy since no dicing is required because it’s all going to go in the blender.  This recipe makes a lot of soup; feel free to cut in half or share it.  (My 12 year old daughter loves it.)

• 1T olive oil
• 1 large onion, cut into large chunks.
• 6 cloves garlic (or use garlic powder to taste)
• ½ head cauliflower, broken into large piece
• 1 or 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 4 cups kale or 1 or 2 summer squash sliced into large chunks
• 1 container (quart box) organic chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• Salt, pepper and tarragon to taste
• ½ T coconut oil (optional)

Optional Ingredients after cooking:

• hot sauce (optional - added to individual serving)
• unflavored whey protein (optional - added to individual serving)
• 1 avocado (optional depending on your needs; adds calories and healthy fats)

In a large stock pot, heat olive oil.  Add onion and garlic cloves and stir until translucent.

Add cauliflower, mushrooms, kale or squash, and chicken broth.  Bring to boil.  Add water, salt, pepper and tarragon, along with coconut oil if you choose to use it.  Bring back to boil for 10 minutes, or just long enough to soften vegetables.  Taste and adjust seasonings.

Remove from heat.  Add liquid and vegetables to blender.  (Depending on the size of your blender, this will be in several batches.) If you choose to use avocado, divide avocado to the number of blender batches, and add some to each batch.  Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. 

Re-heat if necessary in microwave and serve.  Add option hot sauce to taste.

If using unflavored whey protein.  Place 1/2 serving unflavored whey protein in a cup.  Slowly add a small amount of cold water, and stir; keep adding small amounts of cold water and stirring until smooth.  Now, slowly add the protein to your hot soup, stirring constantly.  Note - only add the protein to your individual serving of hot soup, when you are ready to eat it.  You cannot re-heat the soup once you’ve added the protein. 

Refrigerate unused portions and plan to use over the next few days.  Enjoy!v