Cinnamon and Nutmeg Spiced Squash Soup
As the season’s shift and the weather cools, it’s a wise idea to incorporate more warming and nourishing foods into your diet. Winter squash is definitely one of those prized ingredients that I love during the fall and winter months. It is not only warming, sweet and delicious, it contains quite a few carotenoids that support good health: alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. According to studies, dietary carotenoids provide health benefits by decreasing the risk of disease, particularly certain cancers and eye disease. “The carotenoids that have been most studied in this regard are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. In part, the beneficial effects of carotenoids are thought to be due to their role as antioxidants. Beta-Carotene may have added benefits due its ability to be converted to vitamin A. Furthermore, lutein and zeaxanthin may be protective in eye disease because they absorb damaging blue light that enters the eye.”
But, besides the scientific mumbo jumbo, squash has a sweet flavor that helps support the stomach/spleen/pancreas. This is the system in the body that thrives on the naturally sweet flavor of good starches and carbohydrates. I’ve also included some savory and warming spices into this recipe. Both cinnamon and nutmeg bring heat into the digestive system, helping you digest your food better. Try it yourself and see how you feel. I bet on a cold blustery day, your body will thank you for this delicious meal.
This recipe was contributed by Andrea Beaman.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg Spiced Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 2-3 tbsp grass-fed butter
- 1 Onion peeled and diced
- 4 cups Butternut Squash peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp real sea salt
- 3 inches Ginger peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp organic ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4-5 cups duck stock, water, or milk
Instructions
- In a soup pot on medium high heat, saute onion and squash in butter for 3-4 minutes.
- Add sea salt, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Add stock and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Put all ingredients into a food processor or blender and puree. Add soup back to the pot and season with more salt if needed. Enjoy!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician. Please review references sited at end of article for scientific support of any claims made.
2 Comments
Hi Jill,
Do you think this soup would work out swapping butternut for spaghetti squash?
I think so, Melanie – give it a try and let us know
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