Soup is a wonderful food during the Vata vulnerable Autumn season. This Thanksgiving try something new with this yummy Curried Cauliflower Soup recipe courtesy of Michele Schulz and Ayurveda Today.
While cauliflower is not Vata-pacifying by itself, it is a seasonal vegetable this time of year and adding it to the warm, smooth, and oily qualities of a soup helps to balance Vata. As always, fresh organic ingredients are best, but go with what you can find and have fun with it!
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onion
1 head of cauliflower (approx. 7 cups)
2 medium red skinned potatoes (approx. 1.5 cups)
2 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground fenugreek
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. tumeric
1 pinch hing
2 Tbs. ghee, sesame, or olive oil
3/4 cups walnuts (soaked overnight in water)
5 cups water or vegetable stock
1 tsp. mineral salt
optional garnish: nori or other sea vegetable flakes
Soak the walnuts overnight in warm water with a pinch of salt. After soaking, drain the water and make a walnut 'milk' by placing the walnuts and 1 cup of fresh water or stock in a blender and blending well. Add a second cup of water and blend again until smooth.
Dice the onion. Cut the thick stalk of the cauliflower as close to the florets as possible. Then, using your hands, gently and evenly break the cauliflower florets into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Chop the stalk into small chunks as well and cube the potatoes leaving the skin on.
In a soup pot saute the onion in ghee or oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the spices and stir quickly for a minute making sure the spices don't stick and burn. Now add the cauliflower, potatoes, and salt and stir well. Add just enough water or stock (approx. 3 cups) to almost cover the vegetables. Cover the pot and let simmer over medium heat.
When the vegetables are tender but not mushy, remove 2 to 3 cups of vegetables with liquid and add to the walnut milk in the blender. Puree until smooth. Add the pureed veggies and walnut milk back to the pot of vegetables and stir well.
Adjust the salt if necessary and serve immediately. For extra nutrients, minerals, and vitamins garnish with nori or sea vegetable flakes.
Enjoy!