As I get older, I enjoy and appreciate this time of year even more.
As temperatures lower and leaves change colors (in some parts of the country), I’m comforted by the warmth of cuddly blankets, friends and family gatherings, and WARM flavorful food! Just as the weather changes and can impact our mood, the temperature of the food and drinks you consume can affect your health. Studies show that drinking cold beverages and eating cold food can shock the digestive system, slow down digestion, and in some cases cause gut health issues. This is also observed in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is not recommended to eat or drink cold foods and beverages, especially after eating. Ever drunken tea after a meal or first thing in the morning? It gets your digestive system moving! In the spirit of Autumn I’ll be sharing some of my favorite WARM fall-inspired recipes. Creamy Cauliflower Soup: • 1 head of cauliflower or about a pound and half of cauliflower florets • ½-1 onion • 3-6 cloves of Fresh Garlic • 2 cups Vegetable Broth • Can of Coconut Milk or other plant-based milk • 1 can of cannellini beans OR 1 cup of soaked cashew • Oil for drizzling • ½-1 tsp Paprika • Salt • Pepper 1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees 2) Separate or cut head of cauliflower into florets (pieces) and cut onion in no sizes 3) Place cauliflower, onion, and garlic pieces into a bowl and drizzle with oil and add your seasonings 4) Spread seasoned cauliflower, garlic and onion on a baking tray (you can cover it with parchment paper-optional). Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes 5) Remove veggies from the oven and place all ingredients into a blender with the vegetable broth, milk and cashews or beans. 6) Blend until smooth and add extra seasonings to your desired taste. You may need to add more broth or milk if it is too thick. 7) After blending you can pour the soup into a pot and heat it to you desired temperature. 8) Enjoy by itself or with some yummy sourdough bread! Disclaimer: All information presented and written my articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. [Ife is a Pasadena Native, currently working as a mental health therapist providing therapy to individuals, ages 17-elder adults. She works from a holistic perspective and is passionate about supporting people with their health through food, nutrition, and sound healing.] |
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