“Autumn killed the summer with the softest kiss.” – d.j.

This delectable Pumpkin Sweet Potato soup recipe beckons the call of FALL. It is my great pleasure to share this delicious, warming dish that welcomes this gorgeous season. All I can think about these days is frolicking in the crunchy leaves, wearing cozy sweaters and saying bye to summer. Even though the temperatures aren’t quite there yet, by bringing out the fall recipes, I hope to tempt autumn to start a little early this year. Let’s see if my wishful thinking actually works. Back to the recipe…creamy pillows of sweet potato and soft sweet layers of pumpkin all kissed with the gentlest flavor of sage. But, the best part is the surprise kick–a spice that yields robust nutritional power–turmeric!

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is just what the doctor ordered; it is literally a nutritional powerhouse! And did you know it comes from the ginger family? Yes, that’s right! We all know how incredible ginger is for the body. Read The Amazing Power of Ginger! for more details. As for the deep vibrant orange root called turmeric, it is usually found in curry dishes due to its peppery, warm flavor and distinctive color. Used widely in traditional cultures and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has recently come to the forefront of the medical and nutrition world for its anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties. To be more specific, the main property of turmeric (curcumin) has been compared to the potent drugs hydrocortisone, phenylbutazone and ibuprofin. The best part is, unlike the pharmaceutical drugs, which have numerous side effects, curcumin has not one ill effect nor threat of toxicity on record.

More On Turmeric…

Another awesome benefit researched about curcumin is its antioxidant properties. To be specific, antioxidants help to balance free radicals in the body, which cause disease. Free radicals accumulate in the body from our environment: pesticides, exposure to UV light, cigarette smoke, pollution, stress, EMF’s (electromagnetic frequencies) and car exhaust. Moreover, antioxidants can help minimize the aforementioned, as well as protect against cancer and other diseases. In fact, it is necessary to continually generate antioxidant activity in the body and one great way is by eating lots of antioxidant-rich foods like turmeric!

Top 5 Benefits of Turmeric … a.k.a. Curcumin

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1. Inhibits the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines

2. Enhances the body’s production of cancer-fighting compounds, such as glutathione

3. Promotes the liver’s proper detoxification of cancer-causing compounds

4. Prevents overproduction of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme that may contribute to the development of tumors

5. May be able to help in the prevention of heart disease and degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and MS

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Although more research is greatly needed for the health properties of turmeric, the preliminary evidence shows it isn’t a bad idea to include this beautiful root into the diet. Mix it into curries, rice dishes, add to vegetables, egg salad, hummus or even salad dressings. Finally, remember to always choose organic varieties, as conventional turmeric is usually irradiated. (Murray, 2005)

And now, for the mouth-watering recipe…

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup with Fresh Sage & Turmeric

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato steamed
• 1 can of organic pumpkin
• 1/2 can of full fat coconut milk
• 1-2 tbs dried Italian herbs
• 1-2 tbs fresh chopped sage + 1/2 tsp for garnish
• 1/2 cup chopped red or white onion
• 3-4 cloves of garlic chopped
• 1-2 tsp sea salt
• 3 tsp of freshly grated turmeric root or 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg, ginger powder (optional)
• 1 tbs Nutiva Buttery Coconut Oil
• sautéed kale in onion, garlic and lemon (optional garnish)
• arugula (optional garnish)

Directions

1. Rinse sweet potato and using potato peeler, remove skin. Put water in the bottom of steamer pot and turn heat to medium.
2. While water is heating, chop sweet potato into cubes. Place potato in steamer, cover with lid and steam for 20 minutes.
3. While the sweet potato is steaming, chop your onion, garlic and sage. Add these ingredients into a pot with your Buttery Coconut Oil and sauté until golden brown and aromatic.
4. Once your sweet potato is steamed, add it to your sautéed onion, garlic and sage. Pour in your can of pumpkin puree and 1/2 cup of coconut milk. Sprinkle in the Italian spices, freshly grated turmeric and sea salt.
5. Whisk together your ingredients until smooth. Add more coconut milk or water if needed to reach the consistency of a soup.
6. Garnish with additional spices like nutmeg and ginger powder if desired. Add a dash of fresh chopped sage for more vibrant color. Enjoy!

In divine health,

Kristin

References:

Murray, M. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. NY: Atria Books

“10 Health Benefits and Uses for Turmeric Curcumin Supplements.” retrieved at: https://lyfebotanicals.com/health/turmeric-benefits/