Category Archives: Soup

Friday, February 1, 2013

Thick and Creamy Dairy-Free New England Clam Chowder (SCD & Paleo)

 
It’s been years since my last bowl of clam chowder – years!  And oh man, I love clam chowder.  I really crave the stuff.  Lately I’ve been obsessing about it and I’ve had a recipe idea jumping around in my head for sometime now.  This week I finally brought this idea to reality and made an amazing bowl of dairy-free clam chowder that knocked my socks off.  My husband (who is native to the San Francisco/Bay Area, serious seafood lover, and clam chowder connoisseur) gave this recipe a glowing review.  He sat down to dinner, took at bite, and was very surprised by how close it tasted to the dairy laden stuff he grew up on.  And of course, he instantly declared that this was a MUST recipe for the blog.  So I’m not putting this one off.  I’m very proud of this recipe.  It’s very satisfying, tastes like good-ole’ clam chowder, and extremely filling.  I do hope you enjoy this one.  I’m pretty stoked about it.  
Ingredients:
-1 ΒΌ cups yellow onion (1 medium onion)
-2 cups carrots, peeled and small chop 
-1 cup celery, small chop 
-2 cups celery root, peeled and small chop (1 medium celery root)
–2 six ounce cans of clams, chopped up a bit* 
-1/3 cup cooked and chopped bacon (omit if you cannot find SCD/Paleo bacon) 
-1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 
-2 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for at least 5 hours in filtered water)
-5 cups filtered water (or broth)
-3 tablespoons clam juice
-1/2 + 1/2 teaspoon salt
-2 teaspoons garlic granules
-3 tablespoons olive oil (I recommend olive oil for its buttery flavor)
-Ground pepper to taste, and more salt if needed 

How To:
1.  Crisp up 4 to 5 pieces of GOOD bacon in a pan, then give it a small chop.  Set aside. 
2.  In a soup pot, add in the olive oil, onions, celery root, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and saute for 10 minutes on medium low.  
3.  To the onions and celery root, add in the carrots, celery, and fresh thyme and saute for 5 – 7 minutes over medium heat.  Stirring frequently.
4.  When the veggies are tender, add in the two drained cans of clams and 3 tablespoons clam juice (do not add in all the clam juice from both cansjust 3 tablespoons).  Stir clams around with the veggies.  Then add in the final 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons garlic granules, and 2 cups of water (or broth).  Bring to a simmer for 3 minutes.  
5.  While the veggies and clams are gently simmering, drain the cashews and add them to a blender with 3 cups filtered water.  Blend on high for 30 seconds.  
6.  Immediately add the blended cashews to the pot with the veggies and clams. Stir and allow everything to come to a GENTLE simmer – please do not boil this mixtureit will not taste great if it burns on the bottom.  Simmer very gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot, making sure the veggies and cashew cream does not stick.  I use a large wood spoon, a silicone spatula will also work great.  
7.  The mixture will greatly thicken as it heats up.  After the 5 (gentle) minute simmer, turn the mixture down to very low so the simmering stops, cover, and allow it to continue to warm for 30 minutes, stirring once in a while
8.  After 30 minutes you can serve, or turn the heat off and let the mixture sit.  
9.  When ready to serve, gently heat through, taking care to not burn the mixture.  
-Upon serving, add in some pepper to taste.  Other options include chopped crisp bacon, green onions, a lemon wedge, or chopped parsley. Serves 4

Notes:
*Serve with grain-free crackers to keep this SCD & Paleo or serve with Gluteno original crackers (these taste like those little oyster crackers typically served with New England Clam Chowder).  Grain free “cornbread” is also excellent with this soup.
*The type of clams you use will make or break this dish.  Once I used two 10-ounce cans of baby boiled clams, and I did not like how it turned out at all.  Here is what I used and really liked.  It provided a great clam flavor and overall I was very pleased with the texture and taste.  
Shared on: Fat Tuesdays, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Whole Food Fridays, 
Posted by Amber at

Labels: dairy free, main dish, Paleo, SCD, Soup.

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Monday, January 21, 2013

Delicious French Lentil Soup with Butternut Squash and Dino Kale (SCD Friendly, Vegan)

There’s a great little restaurant down the street from my house and next door to my beloved Davis Foods Coop, called Monticello. They serve seasonal cuisine and uphold a farm to plate menu (they even have their own farm!) – I just love that.  Their menu is awesome, serving up organic chicken, gluten free breads, a ton of vegan soups, organic salad, etc.  If you are ever in Davis (California), call me and I will take you there.  It’s fabulous, fresh and healthy.  A few months ago I took my son to this favorite spot for lunch.  Their soup of the day knocked my socks off.  It was so simple, yet so delicious.  I asked what was in the soup (without getting too nosy), then rushed next door to my Coop and gathered the ingredientsand I made it that night for dinner.  It’s a simple French lentil soup, but what makes it extra special is the addition of kale and butternut squash.  The butternut squash and carrots impart a delicate sweetness to the dish and the tender kale is the perfect texture against the creamy lentils.  I played around with the recipe a few times until I found the perfect ratios. I hope you also enjoy this soup.  It’s very satisfying.  Oh, and I love it the next morning with two fried eggs, avocado, and a splash of hot sauce.  
Superb my friends.  
Ingredients
-2 cups onions, small chop 
-2 cups carrots, peeled and small chop
-3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and small cubed 

-1/2 pound (8 ounces) of dino kale, wash and remove large stem  

-2 cups French lentils, soaked for 6 – 8 hours* (please see notes about the soaking).   
-7 cups filtered water 
-2 teaspoons garlic granules
-1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt
-2 tablespoons oil
-3 turns of the pepper grinder

How To:
1.  In large soup stock pan (my dutch oven is too small for this recipe), add onions, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and saute for 5 minutes on medium heat.
2.  Add in the carrots and butternut squash and saute for 3 to 5 minutes.  
3.  Drain the lentils of their soaking water and add them to the pot, along with the garlic granules, the additional 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and water.  Bring to a rapid boil for 2 minutes.
4.  Turn heat down to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes.
5.  After 45 minutes, uncover.  Tear the kale with your hands as you add it to the pot.  Stir kale around and bring the soup to very gentle simmer.  Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, until kale is nice and tender.  
6.  Turn off heat and let sit until ready to serve (cover if you wish).  Warm through before serving.  Serves 6 adults.  I like to serve with a wedge of lemon.  

Notes:
*The lentils must be soaked for this dish for two reasons: (1) when making SCD soups with lentils, soaking them is necessary, and (2) the water in this soup has been calibrated only to the soaked lentils. I have found soaked verses dried legumes require different water ratios.  So please follow directions as specified for best results.

Shared on: Melt in your Mouth Mondays, Motivate Me Mondays, Monday Mania, Mealtime Monday Just Another Meatless Monday, On The Menu Monday, Mix It Up Monday, Fat Tuesdays, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Gluten Free Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesdays, Whole Foods Wednesdays, Keep It Real Thursdays, Pennywise Platter Thursdays, Wellness Weekend  Fight Back Friday, Fresh Bites Friday, Whole Foods Friday, Gluten Free Fridays, Healthy Vegan Friday Sweet Saturday, 

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Labels: main dish, SCD, Soup, vegan, vegetarian, winter cuisine.

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Monday, August 6, 2012

Simple and Delicious Carrot Curry Lentil Soup with Lemon (SCD Friendly) – with a video of the foggy West Coast.

I have a confession, I’m one of those crazy girls that can eat anything for breakfast.  I’ve always been like that.  I never turn down food in the morning just because it’s not “breakfast” material.  See, this is where my sweet husband and I differ.  He likes his meals compartmentalized where I’m all over the place.  I’ll eat cold pizza, roasted veggies, chicken, pasta, any variety of leftovers, pasta, and yes, even soup for breakfast.  I’ve come to realize that this free love with food for breakfast is a good thing on SCD.  Breakfast is perhaps the most difficult part of SCD for me.  It’s a very grain-egg-meat dominated set-up.  But luckily, I’ve found some great substitutes (but I’ve also come to realize that I don’t do well with a lot of nuts on SCD, so I can’t rely on nut-based substitutes every morning).  So what does all this breakfast talk have to do with soup?  Well, I wanted to share a soup with you I’ve been making to eat during the week (for breakfast or whenever).  Mornings are a perfect time to eat soup in the summer.  And let me tell you friends, it gets HOT HOT here in Northern Cali, but the mornings are great, so I don’t shy away from soups.  This soup is so flavorful and filling.  It really hits the spot in the morning and gives me incredible energy – it’s like my new oatmeal (hey, why not).  So I hope you enjoy this simple, versatile soup.  We sure do. 

I need to remember that it’s not HOT everywhere in the summer.  We live about 80 miles from San Francisco, and it can be 110 degrees here in valley and 55 degrees on the coast (no joke).  My husband grew up 1/2 mile from the beach near San Francisco and last week we had a visit with his family.  After a long day playing on the chilly, foggy, beautiful beach I made this soup for dinner and it warmed us right up.  My husband’s heart will always be with the sea.  I love watching him play with our children at the same beach he romped around on as a child.  I’ve included a video of our day below.  

Carrot Curry Lentil Soup with Lemon
Ingredients:
-2 cups brown lentils soaked for 15 – 20 hours (water changed 1x)
-1 medium yellow onion, small chop
-2 cups chopped carrots
-2 cups chopped tomato
-1 can SCD/BPA free coconut milk (or 1 1/2 cups homemade coconut milk)
-3/4 teaspoon salt
-2 teaspoon garlic granules
-2 teaspoons green curry paste* 
-4 cups filtered water 
-Oil of choice (I use grapeseed)

How To:
1.  Coat the bottom of a large soup pot with oil and sautΓ© onions with salt for about 5 minutes.  
2.  Add the chopped carrots and tomatoes, sautΓ© for about 3 minutes.
3.  Add garlic granules and curry paste.  Stir to incorporate.  Add the coconut milk, drained lentils and stir.
4.  Add water, stir. 
5.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and turn down to a simmer on just above low for one hour.  
6.  Turn off heat and keep covered until ready to serve.  Reheat as needed.
7.  Serve with 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon.  I also prefer freshly grated ginger with freshly ground black pepper.  Avocado or vegan cashew sour cream is also delicious for garnish.  
-Serves 6

Notes:

*I can’t guarantee results if a different curry is used.  The green curry paste is fantastic and I highly recommend it.  If you have success in making this soup with a homemade curry or a powder curry, please share in the comments.  

*
The beautiful, foggy West Coast:

 Shared on: Melt in your Mouth Mondays, Keep It Simple Mondays, Monday Mania, Mealtime Monday My Meatless Monday, Just Another Meatless Monday, Made from Scratch Monday,Fat Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Recipe Box Tuesday, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Gluten Free Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesdays, Whole Foods Wednesdays, Fight Back Friday Freaky Friday, Lifeologia Summerizing Party, Friday Food, 


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Labels: dairy free, main dish, SCD, Soup, vegan, vegetarian.

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Friday, April 27, 2012

Carrot Apple Soup with Ginger and Lemon (SCD Friendly)

 We had a spring storm this week, and so it was just cold enough again for soup (last weekend it was 95 degrees here in Northern California – carazzay!).  This carrot-apple soup is quite delicious, but also very special.  It’s the first thing I make when I have a Crohn’s flare-up, as it helps aid my body in healing while providing nutrients and energy.  It’s incredibly easy to digest, full of vitamins, anti-inflammatory ginger, and filling to boot.  Really the whole package.  And this is definitely a year round soup, as it would taste amazing chilled on those hot summer evenings; perfect with a crisp, cool salad. 
Enjoy my friends.  Salud!   

Ingredients
-2 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled and chopped 
-4 medium red apples, peeled and chopped 
-1/2 yellow onion, small chop 
-1 cup coconut milk 
-4 1/2 cups filtered water
-1 teaspoon salt 
-2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
-2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger 
-3 tablespoons oil (I use grapeseed)

How To
1.  In your favorite soup pot add oil, salt, and onions.  SautΓ© onions until translucent (about 5 minutes)
2.  Add chopped carrots and apple, and sautΓ© for about 2 minutes 
3.  Add coconut milk and water and then bring to a boil
4.  Turn down to a gentle simmer, cover pot and simmer for about 30 minutes
5.  Remove lid and simmer an additional 30 minutes
6.  Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes, then blend with immersion blender (or any blender of choice)
7.  Add fresh squeezed lemon juice, grated ginger and serve warm 

Notes:
*Omit raw apple garnish during a flare.  
Shared on:Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Monday Mania, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Whole Food Wednesdays, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesdays, Wellness Weekend, Pennywise Platter Thursdays, Full Plate Thursdays, Simple Lives Thursdays, It’s a Keeper Thursday, Fight Back Friday, Freaky Friday, Fresh Bites FridayFriday Food,  Feed Your Soul Friday Sunday Night Soup Night,Super Food Sundays,Fat Tuesdays, Traditional Tuesdays, Kids in the Kitchen
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Labels: dairy free, SCD, Soup, vegan, vegetarian.

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Monday, April 16, 2012

Roasted Cauliflower Curry Soup (SCD Friendly)

I’ve come across many cauliflower soup recipes over the years but never made my ownuntil last month that is.  It’s such a delightful soup with a buttery, delicate flavor.  I kick myself for waiting so long.  This is super spring dish, light yet filling, and would probably taste fantastic cold on those hot summer days. My friend Vicky has a wonderful SCD Lentil Cauliflower soup – I love her addition of lentils – so clever.  
Salud friends.     
5 Health Benefits of Cauliflower 
Ingredients
-1 yellow onion, chopped
-1 cup carrots, chopped
-1 cup zucchini, chopped
-2 lbs. cauliflower (2 medium heads)
-4 cups filtered water 
-1 can of SCD legal coconut milk 
-2 teaspoons green curry paste (or more to taste) 
-1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 
-1 teaspoon garlic granules (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)
-1 teaspoon salt
-Oil of choice 
How To
Preheat oven to 400
1.  Cut and wash cauliflower.  Toss with a drizzle of oil and garlic granules (or whatever you roast with).  I use garlic granules in place of salt.  Roast cauliflower for 25 minutes, or until slightly browned.  
2.  In a pot, on medium heat, add some oil with onions and salt.  SautΓ© until slightly wilted.  Add in carrots, zucchini, curry paste, turmeric, garlic grans and sautΓ© for a few minutes.  
3.  Add coconut milk, mix.
4.  Add in roasted cauliflower and water.  
5.  Bring to a boil and turn down to a simmer for about 20 minutes (or until fork tender) then turn off heat and allow to sit for about 10 minutes, then blend with immersion blender (or blender of choice).
6.  Garnish with oil and fresh ground pepper.  

Notes:
*You don’t have to roast the cauliflower.  I’ve made it without roasting, but the roasting adds so much flavor.  So if using raw cauliflower, simmer for about 40 minutes, or until fork tender. Rest, then blend.  
Shared on:  Just Another Meatless Monday, Melt in your Mouth Mondays, Monday Mania, Ruth’s Real Food 101 (Mondays), Fat Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Traditional Tuesdays, Tuesday Kids in the Kitchen, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Whole Food Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesday, Gluten Free Wednesday, Pennywise Platter Thursdays, Full Plate Thursdays, Wellness Weekend , Freaky Friday, Fresh Bites Fridays, Friday Food, Pot Luck Party Fridays, Feed Your Soul Friday, Fight Back Friday, Superfood Sunday, Sunday Night Soup Night
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Labels: ACD, SCD, Soup, vegan, vegetarian.

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Roasted Asparagus Soup (Vegan/SCD Friendly)

Can you tell I’m on a kick here with the creamy soups?  Cashew cream just adds so much flavor and texture to vegan dishes.  Just love it.  My husband told me this soup tastes like an “asparagus cheese soup.”  So there you go.  

Lemon and thyme make a strong appearance here.  I load on the thyme for its healing qualities (we all suffer from allergies, and thyme is a great way to decrease phlegm and heal respiratory distress).  Thyme also imparts a mild lemony flavor which I love with asparagus. I find that roasting the main ingredients adds far more to the dish than just boiling or sauteing.  You don’t have to roast, but I recommend it.  I served this soup with sauteed lemon pepper Brussels sprouts, and Danielle’s crusty rollsall very complimentary.  
It was like a spring party for my mouth. 
Fabulous. 
The healing benefits of thyme 

Ingredients
-1 lb fresh asparagus, cut in half
-1 medium zucchini, peeled, trimmed and rough chop
-1 medium yellow onion, rough chop
-6 cloves fresh smashed garlic
-3 cups cashew cream*
-4 cups filtered water 
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 tablespoon dried thyme (if using fresh, only add about 1 teaspoon)
-Oil of choice 
-1 tablespoon garlic granules + 1 teaspoon garlic granules 
-1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
-Fresh ground black pepper to taste 

How To
1.  Add the asparagus, onion, zucchini, and garlic to your favorite roasting dish and toss with oil and 1 tablespoon garlic granules
2.  Add to a 400 degree preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes
3.  In a large soup pot, add roasted mix, cashew cream, water, salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic granules.  Bring to a gentle simmer, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
4.  Turn down to low, cover and let cook gently for about 30 minutes.  Uncover and turn off heat.  Allow to rest for about 10 minutes, then blend with immersion blender (or blender of choice).
5.  Stir in dried thyme and lemon juice.  Serves 4. 
6.  Garnish with dried thyme, a squirt of lemon and black pepper  

Notes:

* For cashew milk: soak 1 cup of cashews in filtered water 4 to 8 hours.  Drain, rinse, and blend with 3 cups filtered water (I use a Vitamix).  Poor into glass jar and store in fridge up to 4 days.

Shared on: 
Just Another Meatless Monday, Melt in your Mouth Mondays, Monday Mania, Ruth’s Real Food 101 (Mondays), Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Traditional Tuesdays, Fat Tuesdays, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesdays, Whole Food Wednesdays, Gluten Free Wednesdays, Full Plate Thursday, Pennywise Platter, Freaky Friday, Wellness Weekend, Fresh Bites Fridays, Lunch Box Love Fridays, Allergy-Friendly Fridays, Friday Food, Superfood Sunday, Sunday Night Soup Night
Posted by Amber at

Labels: ACD, dairy free, SCD, Soup, vegan, vegetarian.

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