When it comes to nutrition broccoli is an ALL STAR FOOD and also considered a pregnancy super food (bonus!)
Here are some health facts about this amazing super food you may not know….
- A cup of cooked broccoli offers as much vitamin C as an orange
- Broccoli is very rich in beta-carotene
- High in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 iron, magnesium, potassium, folate and zinc too.
- High in fiber
- Low in calories.
- Studies suggest that a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of some cancers.
Broccoli is a great veggie choice during pregnancy but lately I am tired of steamed broccoli, its just boring. I have tried sprucing up the flavor with olive oil and sea salt, garlic infused olive oil, even melted cheese but I have begun to just dread eating it. So what I have been doing instead is making soup, yes broccoli soup! Not only is it loaded with broccoli but also homemade bone broth (another pregnancy super food). I have been warming up a cup almost daily. Here is the recipe I use from Dr. Mercola at www.nograindiets.com , its pretty basic yet savory, and creamy! Enjoy!
TIP- I use a hand emersion blender and it works great to puree.
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds organic broccoli *cut into small florets
- 1 large yellow onion coarsely chopped ,
- 2 medium organic potatoes cut into 2-inch pieces ( I only used 1 and it was still good)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock ( I use homemade bone broth)
- ½ cup white wine
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup basil chopped .
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup raw grass-fed cream
- 1 fresh lemon for garnish (optional)
Procedure:
- In a large pot, combine the broccoli or cauliflower, onion, potatoes, stock, wine, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Decrease the heat to low, and simmer covered until the vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes.
- Remove the soup from the heat and add the cream. Using a high-speed blender, blend the ingredients, wrapping a towel around the top of the blender to prevent spillage. You will probably have to do it in 2 or 3 rounds as you do not want to fill the blender to the top. Add half the basil and blend until smooth (This is where I used the hand emersion blender and blended right in the pot).
- Serve in bowls garnished with lemon slices and basil leaves.
This recipe makes 6 servings.
*You can also use cauliflower for this recipe.
Stay warm, be well,
Susie R. 🙂