Soups Archives - Page 5 of 6

Day 3 of Reboot, plus Potato-Spinach Soup

July 20, 2011 by epicureanvegan

So the first three days of a reboot are usually the worst. You’re hungry, tired, and usually suffering from headaches. You may even feel like biting someone’s head off. Just remember, feeling lousy is actually a good thing when detoxing—it means your body is expelling toxins (just try to refrain from murdering anyone).

Today’s been a good day. Yesterday . . . not so much. The Husband was ready to force feed me a burrito or two, but I mashed up an avocado with some lime juice and ate it with a handful of jicama. I admire folks who can do the all-juicing fast—I think I’d keel over after two days of it. Luckily, the reboot I’m doing allows me to eat fruits and veggies in addition to the juicing. I am also allowed to use small amounts of oils and spices. My mid-section is noticeably smaller and I’ve dropped two pounds already. No complaints there!

I started the day off with a kale-strawberry-mango smoothie. The reboot does not include nuts, so when I’m fully rebooted, I think some chia seeds would be ideal in this.

Ok, it may not look appetizing, but it is truly my favorite smoothie! Give it a whirl: 5-6 kale leaves, 5 strawberries, 1 mango, and 3/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth. 🙂

After munching on salad mid-morning, for lunch, I needed something with some girth. A warm meal sounded great, too. I remembered my Potato-Leek Soup recipe, but it’s not quite acceptable for the reboot as it is . . . so I gave it a reboot of my own.

The original recipe calls for Earth Balance margarine and milk, so I needed to get creative. I added mushrooms to give it that thick and creamy texture and I also threw in some spinach. I incorporated a sweet potato and used a tablespoon of coconut oil instead of butter. LOVED it! It was exactly was I was needing to fill me up and satisfy my comfort food cravings—all with staying within the reboot guidelines!

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs coconut oil
1 large sweet potato
1 tsp garlic, minced
3 medium russet potatoes or 6 small Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
2 large leeks, sliced thin, then halved
2 cups mushrooms, quartered
1-1/2 to 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
5 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
salt and white pepper, to taste
fresh chives

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, melt the coconut oil and add the garlic. Saute for a minute. Add the leeks and saute 5-7 minutes, or until they soften.

Add the potatoes and broth/water; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes soften.

Working in batches, ladle into a food processor and add some mushrooms and spinach. Puree until smooth-ish. Transfer to a large bowl. Continue to puree the rest of the soup, adding mushrooms and spinach. Season with salt and white pepper and top with some freshly chopped chives. This was out outstanding and I didn’t miss the milk, cheese, or sour cream that the original recipe uses.

Layer, I threw together another tasty smoothie: 4 kale leaves, 1/2 a small cantaloupe, 1 pear (peeled and chopped), and 3/4 C of water.

I snacked on some salad, munched on some jicama and cherries, and for dinner, I had some more of the leftover potato-spinach soup and decaf herbal tea. I have several more recipes geared up for the next few days, so I’ll be bringing those to you soon. All in all, I feel pretty good and its get easier as I go. The key is planning. Be armed with recipes and ingredients. I recommend planning your meals in advance and spending some time chopping vegetables up ahead of time so that it’s a matter of just grabbing them when you need them. Lack of planning can easily derail you from the reboot!

Quick Gazpacho Soup

July 18, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This refreshing soup is great not only for the summer, but for a reboot, too! You can actually juice these ingredients, but I decided to use the food processor.

INGREDIENTS:
4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped into big pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
1/4 C red onion, chopped
1/2 C fresh parsley
1/2 C fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Add the onion, bell pepper, parsley, cilantro, and celery to the food processor. Process until smooth. Add the cucumber and tomatoes and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if you’d like. Enjoy!

Makes about 5 cups.

Quick Gazpacho Soup

This refreshing soup is great not only for the summer, but for a reboot, too! You can actually juice these ingredients, but I decided to use the food processor.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped into big pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
¼ C red onion, chopped
½ C fresh parsley
½ C fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper (optional)

Directions

Add the onion, bell pepper, parsley, cilantro, and celery to the food processor. Process until smooth. Add the cucumber and tomatoes and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if you'd like. Enjoy!
Makes about 5 cups.

Vegetable-Barley Soup

April 21, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Yes, I am on a barley kick. Since I started using it (Vegetable-Barley Chili) I’ve been hooked. It has a lovely chewy texture that is ideal for soups and stews. In addition to the rainy weather, I needed to clean out the fridge of some veggies, so this soup worked out beautifully. Amazing flavor and ideal with some garlic toast or rolls.

INGREDIENTS:
4 C vegetable broth
3-4 C water
1/3 C pearled barley
1 zucchini, sliced then quartered
4 stalks celery, sliced
2 C mushrooms, sliced/quartered
3 medium carrots, sliced
4 large green onions, sliced
1/3 C light miso
1/3 C sherry
3 Tbs dried minced onion
2 Tbs dried chives
1 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp black pepper
3/4 C almond milk

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the broth, barley, zucchini, carrots, celery, minced onion, chives, and pepper in a large soup pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Add 1-2 cups of water along with the mushrooms, green onions, miso, and sherry. Cook another 5-7 minutes. Add more water if you feel it’s too thick. Stir in the parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Vegetable-Barley Soup

Yes, I am on a barley kick. Since I started using it (Vegetable-Barley Chili) I've been hooked. It has a lovely chewy texture that is ideal for soups and stews. In addition to the rainy weather, I needed to clean out the fridge of some veggies, so this soup worked out beautifully. Amazing flavor and ideal with some garlic toast or rolls.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

4 C vegetable broth
3-4 C water
⅓ C pearled barley
1 zucchini, sliced then quartered
4 stalks celery, sliced
2 C mushrooms, sliced/quartered
3 medium carrots, sliced
4 large green onions, sliced
⅓ C light miso
⅓ C sherry
3 Tbs dried minced onion
2 Tbs dried chives
1 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp black pepper
¾ C almond milk

Directions

Combine the broth, barley, zucchini, carrots, celery, minced onion, chives, and pepper in a large soup pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Add 1-2 cups of water along with the mushrooms, green onions, miso, and sherry. Cook another 5-7 minutes. Add more water if you feel it's too thick. Stir in the parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Vegetable-Barley Chili

April 14, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This morning, I awoke to this:

And this is how it is now . . . (same day, folks):

Living in Colorado my whole life, I should be used to this kind of schizophrenic weather, but it still amazes me when it happens. The good thing about this morning’s freak snow storm is that it kept me sequestered inside and busy writing. I planned on making just spaghetti for dinner, but like the weather, I switched it up and made this chili. I didn’t have all the ingredients I normally use, but I remember a friend telling me recently, that she uses barley in chili. I decided to give it a whirl. The family actually liked it better than my original chili recipe. If you’re not used to that much fiber (between the beans and the barley) I suggest easing up on the beans, perhaps.

INGREDIENTS:
2 14-oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
28-oz can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
3/4 C pearled barley
1 Tbs olive oil
5-6 C water and/or vegetable broth
1 pkg chili seasoning or . . .
Homemade chili seasoning:
1 Tbs Ancho chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 Tbs dried minced onion
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tbs ground dried chilies

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot; saute the onions and bell pepper until slightly browned. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, and about 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then add the barley. Combine all the seasoning ingredients; add to the pot. Partially cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water (or broth) if needed in order to reach the consistency you want. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes. Serve with some shredded vegan cheese and/or a dollop of Tofutti sour cream. Enjoy!

Vegetable-Barley Chili

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

2 14-oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
28-oz can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
¾ C pearled barley
1 Tbs olive oil
5-6 C water and/or vegetable broth
1 pkg chili seasoning or . . .
Homemade chili seasoning:
1 Tbs Ancho chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 Tbs dried minced onion
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 Tbs ground dried chilies

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot; saute the onions and bell pepper until slightly browned. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, and about 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then add the barley. Combine all the seasoning ingredients; add to the pot. Partially cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water (or broth) if needed in order to reach the consistency you want. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes. Serve with some shredded vegan cheese and/or a dollop of Tofutti sour cream. Enjoy!

Cuban Black Bean and Potato Soup

February 15, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This comes from the latest issue of Vegetarian Times and was pretty easy to make. I altered a couple of things and it made a comforting, hearty meal.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium onion, diced (1-1/2 C)
1 small red bell pepper, diced (1 C)
1 small green bell pepper, diced (1 C)
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 C cooked black beans, (I used canned–drained) divided
3 medium potatoes, diced (2-1/2 C)
2 Tbs white wine vinegar
1 Tbs cumin
1 Tbs fresh oregano leaves (I used dried)
1 bay leaf (I left this out)
1/2 tsp salt
Green onions, sliced for a garnish
Optional: vegan cheddar, Tofutti sour cream, salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, saute the bell peppers, onions and garlic in a bit of water or vegetable broth for 2-3 minutes.

Transfer to a blender (or food processor) and blend until smooth.

Add 3 of the 6 cups of black beans, as well as 6-7 cups of water. I think a low-sodium vegetable broth would be great, too. Puree until the mixture resembles a thick soup. I didn’t have enough room in my food processor for all of this, so I pureed what I could, transferred half the mixture back to the soup pot, then pureed the rest with the rest of the water. Transfer to the soup pot and add the rest of the beans, potatoes, vinegar and seasonings. Bring to a simmer; reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Garnish each serving with green onions and/or other optional ingredients. Enjoy!

Cuban Black Bean and Potato Soup

This comes from the latest issue of Vegetarian Times and was pretty easy to make. I altered a couple of things and it made a comforting, hearty meal.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced (1-1/2 C)
1 small red bell pepper, diced (1 C)
1 small green bell pepper, diced (1 C)
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 C cooked black beans, (I used canned--drained) divided
3 medium potatoes, diced (2-1/2 C)
2 Tbs white wine vinegar
1 Tbs cumin
1 Tbs fresh oregano leaves (I used dried)
1 bay leaf (I left this out)
½ tsp salt
Green onions, sliced for a garnish
Optional: vegan cheddar, Tofutti sour cream, salt and pepper

Directions

In a large soup pot, saute the bell peppers, onions and garlic in a bit of water or vegetable broth for 2-3 minutes.
Transfer to a blender (or food processor) and blend until smooth.
Add 3 of the 6 cups of black beans, as well as 6-7 cups of water. I think a low-sodium vegetable broth would be great, too. Puree until the mixture resembles a thick soup. I didn't have enough room in my food processor for all of this, so I pureed what I could, transferred half the mixture back to the soup pot, then pureed the rest with the rest of the water. Transfer to the soup pot and add the rest of the beans, potatoes, vinegar and seasonings. Bring to a simmer; reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Garnish each serving with green onions and/or other optional ingredients. Enjoy!

Potato and Corn Chowder

January 31, 2011 by epicureanvegan

I told you I was going to make soup. Considering it’s quite cold here in Colorado, soup just hits the spot. I used frozen diced potatoes which made it very easy to prepare. I served this soup with the chive-flecked spud muffins which were an ideal accompaniment.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C onion, diced
1 C celery, sliced thin
5 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 tsp Garlic and Wine seasoning or a Mrs. Dash-type seasoning
2 lbs russet potatoes, diced (I used frozen ones)
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 C corn kernels
14-oz coconut milk
4 C vegetable broth
1/2 C nutritional yeast
1-2 Tbs olive oil
Optional ingredients: shredded vegan cheddar, Tofutti sour cream, fresh chopped chives

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and saute the onions and celery for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute another 3 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together the nutritional yeast and vegetable broth. In the soup pot, whisk in the coconut milk, then the broth mixture. Add the Garlic & Wine seasoning and rosemary. Bring to a boil for about 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and corn and simmer 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Potato and Corn Chowder

Considering it's quite cold here in Colorado, soup just hits the spot. I used frozen diced potatoes which made it very easy to prepare. I served this soup with the chive-flecked spud muffins which were an ideal accompaniment.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 C onion, diced
1 C celery, sliced thin
5 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 tsp Garlic and Wine seasoning or a Mrs. Dash-type seasoning
2 lbs russet potatoes, diced (I used frozen ones)
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 C corn kernels
14-oz coconut milk
4 C vegetable broth
½ C nutritional yeast
1-2 Tbs olive oil
Optional ingredients: shredded vegan cheddar, Tofutti sour cream, fresh chopped chives

Directions

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and saute the onions and celery for about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and saute another 3 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the nutritional yeast and vegetable broth.
In the soup pot, whisk in the coconut milk, then the broth mixture. Add the Garlic & Wine seasoning and rosemary. Bring to a boil for about 10 minutes.
Add the potatoes and corn and simmer 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Eggplant Parmagiano Stew

January 6, 2011 by epicureanvegan

It’s soup season and this chili-like stew is delicious and satisfying. It also comes together rather quickly, so from start to finish, it takes only about 35-40 minutes. The stew and Parmesan recipes come from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, which is shaping up to be my latest obsession. The Husband and Sixth Grader even rank this as one of their favorite soups. And the Parmesan?! It’s fabulous—ideal with this stew as well as with pastas and anything needing Parmesan cheese. It’s also a great source of protein and B vitamins with the almonds and nutritional yeast.

INGREDIENTS:
Stew:
8 C vegetable broth (I used 4 C of low-sodium broth to not overdose on the salt)
1-6oz can tomato paste
1 Tbs crushed garlic
1 medium eggplant, unpeeled and diced
2 C finely chopped, packed kale
1 large onion, chopped
4 C drained cooked or canned white beans (2-15 or 16oz cans)
1/2 C nutritional yeast flakes
2 tsp oregano
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
Salt, pepper, and cayenne

Parmezano Sprinkles:
1/2 C blanched almonds
2 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
1-2 tsp light miso
Heaping 1/4 tsp salt

The beautiful eggplant I got from Green Buffalo Food Co. on Tuesday.

DIRECTIONS:
I made the Parmezano Sprinkles earlier in the day, so I’ll start with those. To blanch the almonds, place them in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes, then drain them; rinse with cold water. When pinched between your fingers, the skins will slide right off. Dry off with a paper towel and place the almonds in a food processor; grind to a fine powder. Add remaining ingredients and pulse several times to incorporate everything. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; will keep for a month or so and can be frozen. (This is fabulous on steamed veggies, particularly kale)!

To make the stew, combine the broth, tomato paste, and garlic in a large soup pot. Add the eggplant, onion and kale. The kale has to be finely chopped, so I recommend using your food processor for a real time saver. Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender, but still firm.

Transfer 2 cups of the broth, 2 cups of the beans, nutritional yeast, and oregano in a blender and process until smooth.

Pour it into the soup pot and mix well. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of beans and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne and simmer uncovered until the beans and tomatoes are heated through. Garnish with the Parmezano Sprinkles and enjoy!

My Cure-All Vegetable-Miso Soup

December 3, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Well, curing colds is the idea. If anything, this soup is hearty and flavorful. It’s also packed full of immune-boosting ingredients. The Husband was struck with a cold for two weeks, then after four days of wellness, got hit again. The Sixth Grader is now catching on to this cold business. I’m a firm believer that fresh fruits and vegetables are the best remedy for the cold. Unfortunately, the Husband didn’t load up on them when he was sick . . .hmmm. . . Twice, I did feel it coming on, and both times I ate a big bowl of steamed kale. Cold symptoms gone. I make the kale a regular thing for me now—at least three days a week and even for breakfast. So last night my sniffling, coughing guys were asking for me to make the colds go away, so to the kitchen I went and for a appetizer, I made them split an orange bell pepper, which is loaded with beta carotene, vitamin A and antioxidants.

INGREDIENTS:
4 C low-sodium vegetable broth
3 C water
2 C red potatoes, diced
1 large leek (loaded with Vitamin C, potassium, chromium and selenium)
2 tsp garlic, minced (also loaded with Vitamin C, potassium, chromium and selenium)
1 C carrots, sliced (get your beta carotene, Vitamin A and antioxidants)
2 C button or shiitake mushrooms, quartered (packed full of nutrients–long list–plus some fiber)
1 15oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (high in fiber and protein)
1/2 C yellow miso

Optional: 1 C kale or spinach

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the vegetable broth and water in a large soup pot. Bring to a simmer. Add the potatoes, carrots and leeks. Cook about 10 minutes and then add the garlic and beans. Simmer again for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are soft, but still with a bit of a crunch. Stir in miso and mushrooms and simmer 5 minutes. It’s that easy!! Serve with a little extra love and it’s sure to cure colds! Enjoy!

Vegan Jambalaya

November 20, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Vegan MoFo, Day 20

This has always been a favorite with the fam and so when I looked at the Tofurky Kielbasa sausages in the fridge, I knew it was meant to be. I usually make biscuits to serve under the jambalaya, but I forgot, so I used some rosemary and sesame seed saltines. If you don’t have a lot of time, Pillsbury Crescent Rolls are vegan and a quick option.

INGREDIENTS:
1-14 0z pkg (4 sausages), diced
2-14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes with juices
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped (I used a red onion, but any variety is fine)
1-1/2 C vegetable broth
1/2 C white wine
1/3 C fresh parsley, chopped
2 C white rice, cooked
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 Tbs olive oil
Cajun seasoning (1 tsp is fairly mild. For more of a kick, add more, a 1/4 tsp at a time)
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp pepper, or to taste
Crackers or biscuits

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, heat the oil and garlic. Add the bell pepper, onion and sausage. Saute about 10 minutes, or until the sausage begins to brown and the peppers and onion soften.

Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, combine the tomatoes and broth; bring to a simmer. Transfer the sausage mixture to the tomato mixture and bring to a boil. Lower heat and add the seasonings, parsley, and wine; simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Just before serving, stir in the rice and enjoy!

Cheezy Kale and White Bean Soup

November 10, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Vegan MoFo, Day 10

Kale is my drug. I love it. This soup is great for fall (or even a cool summer evening) and easy to throw together. It’s hearty without being overly filling, not to mention full of immune-boosting ingredients that will help ward off those pesky winter colds.

INGREDIENTS:
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs olive oil
1 large leek, chopped
2-15 oz cans great northern or cannellini beans, drained
8 C vegetable broth (or 6 cups broth, 2 cups of water)
1/2 C white wine
1/2 C fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbs lemon juice
4-5 C fresh kale, torn or chopped
1 C vegan cheddar, shredded
White pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste

I just filled my 4 cup Pyrex measuring cup of kale to the top–so about 5 cups

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and leek and saute until slightly browned. Add the beans and parsley and saute 4-5 minutes.

Add the broth, kale, lemon juice, and white wine. Let simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper. 5 minutes before serving, add the cheeze. This is strictly an optional ingredient—you can also just sprinkle a little cheeze on individual servings. Enjoy!

Day 3 of Reboot, plus Potato-Spinach Soup

Quick Gazpacho Soup

Vegetable-Barley Soup

Vegetable-Barley Chili

Cuban Black Bean and Potato Soup

Potato and Corn Chowder

Eggplant Parmagiano Stew

My Cure-All Vegetable-Miso Soup

Vegan Jambalaya

Cheezy Kale and White Bean Soup

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