Autumn Harvest Skin Glow Soup
This recipe not only celebrates the flavors of fall but also incorporates ingredients known for their skin health benefits, making it a delicious way to nourish your skin from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E, which helps in skin repair)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (high in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, essential for skin health)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced (loaded with vitamin A, which supports skin cell production)
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (rich in vitamin C, which helps in collagen production)
- 1 leek, white and light green parts, chopped (contains flavonoids that can reduce inflammation)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties)
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped (provides vitamin C and fiber)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (hydrating and can be made with skin-friendly herbs like parsley)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (antioxidant properties)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (anti-inflammatory and may improve skin health)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or yogurt for serving (optional, but provides healthy fats that can benefit skin hydration)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Start by prepping all your vegetables. The butternut squash, sweet potato, and carrots should be cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Sauté: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and sauté until it begins to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Veggies and Herbs: Stir in the butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato, and apple. Add the thyme and turmeric, stirring well to coat all the vegetables with the spices.
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Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring it covers the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
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Blend: Once cooked, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only part of the soup.
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Season and Serve: Return the soup to the pot if you've removed it for blending. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you're using coconut milk or yogurt, you can swirl it in now or serve it as a topping.
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Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestion: This soup can be enjoyed with a slice of whole-grain bread for added fiber, or you could sprinkle some chia or pumpkin seed on top for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for skin health.
Why It's Good for Your Skin: This soup is packed with vitamins A and C, which are crucial for skin repair and collagen production. The antioxidants from the vegetables help combat free radical damage, and the healthy fats from olive oil and optional coconut milk/yogurt aid in maintaining skin hydration. Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties of ingredients like garlic, turmeric, and leeks can help reduce skin inflammation, making this not just a tasty fall dish but a skin-loving meal. Enjoy this Autumn Harvest Skin Glow Soup to keep your skin radiant through the cooler months!
Love + Eat Well!