This week I’ve made a roasted cauliflower, cumin and cashew soup! I’m really excited about this one because it’s my own creation. I wanted to bring you a vegetarian/vegan soup packed with protein. I often make a delicious soup with just cauliflower, onions, garlic and stock but I wanted to boost the protein content and make it more nutritious. So I have added cashews!
Cashews are a nutrient dense food packed with healthy fats, protein, fibre, iron, copper, zinc and magnesium and antioxidant compounds as well. There is lots of research into the health benefits of raw nuts (not the roasted, salted processed kind) and studies show that moderate nut consumption is associated with lowering your risk of heart disease, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. This knowledge alone make cashews a great addition to your diet and in this case my soup!
Cauliflower belongs to the brassica or cruciferous family and these vegetables are one of the healthiest foods we can consume. Other brassicas include broccoli, cabbage, kale and brussel sprouts. These vegetables are an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, and antioxidant compounds with amazing health benefits. Recent research shows that the compounds in brassicas help to prevent chronic diseases including cardiovascular, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and some cancers.
This is a pretty easy soup to make and you only really need five ingredients. Chop the cauliflower into florets, place in a roasting pan, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roast for 45 mins (180 degree oven). While the cauliflower is roasting, soak cashews in water. When cauliflower is done, chop onion and saute in coconut oil or ghee for a few minutes, add spices and then cauliflower. Saute for a minute or so and then add water. Simmer for 15 minutes or until cauliflower is cooked (but not too soft). Drain the cashews and add to the soup. You can now use a stick blender to blend until smooth or use a blender. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and add a handful of chopped parsley. I hope you enjoy this one!
Shopping List
1 head cauliflower
1 large onion
2 generous teaspoons of cumin powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 cup cashews (soaked)
3 cups water
Salt and pepper