Just what the doctor ordered. Two doctors actually. This vegan soup comes from Dr. Andrew Weil, and it was featured on the Dr. Oz show. Two famous doctors who promote the anti-inflammatory diet, which is heavy on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy oils and spices. Here is a link if you’d like to watch Dr. Weil make the soup: Curried Cauliflower Soup.
I couldn’t wait to try this recipe because I love the blended flavors of cauliflower, coconut milk and curry. I’m posting Dr. Weil’s exact recipe, but I made a few changes (see notes at the end of the recipe).
The other reason I was excited about this soup is because I’m trying to find more ways to include turmeric in my diet. Turmeric, a common food flavoring and coloring in Asian cooking (especially Indian curries), is a super spice. Some researchers believe that curcumin, an antioxidant that’s an active ingredient in turmeric, may prevent and slow the growth of many types of cancer, particularly tumors of the esophagus, mouth, intestines, stomach, breast, and skin. A number of animal and lab studies have shown promising results. Curcumin can kill cancer cells in laboratory dishes and reduces growth of surviving cells. It’s also been found to reduce development of several forms of cancer in laboratory animals and to shrink animal tumors.
But that’s not all. Turmeric is promoted as an anti-inflammatory herbal remedy and is said to produce fewer side effects than commonly used pain relievers. Some practitioners prescribe turmeric to relieve inflammation caused by arthritis, muscle sprains, swelling, and pain caused by injuries or surgical incisions. Supporters also claim that turmeric protects against liver diseases, stimulates the gallbladder and circulatory systems, reduces cholesterol levels, dissolves blood clots, helps stop external and internal bleeding, and relieves painful menstruation and angina. It’s used as a remedy for digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Wow! That’s a pretty long resume for one spice.
It also adds a bright yellow color to the soup, which on a gray Seattle day nourishes the soul as well as the body.
- ⅓ cup raw cashews
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 14-oz can light coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp cane sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- salt and pepper to taste
- Put the cashews in a blender or food processor and blend until finely ground. Add ¾ cup of water and blend for 2 minutes. Pour the cashew mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon, into a bowl. Set the cashew milk aside until needed.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden. Add the cauliflower, coconut milk, cashew milk, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add enough water to cover. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until the desired consistency is reached. If using a standing blender, allow the mixture to cool for 20 minutes. Pour the soup into the blender. Hold the lid down firmly with a clean, folded towel over it. Start on low speed and blend until the soup is smooth. Return to the pot and reheat if serving hot. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Warm fall soups are positively ayurvedic!