Your best friend is a Vitamix. This super powered blender allows you to throw multiple ingredients into the jug, blend them up and cook them at the same time because of the amount of energy (heat) it uses as it blends. This soup will only take 4-6 minutes to cook in the Vitamix or if you don't own one, just throw all the diced ingredients into a pot and boil until cooked, then blend using a stick blender. The beauty of the Vitamix is not only is it quick, it also allows recipes like soups to be cooked in a way that allows you to control the temperature in order to retain the nutrients and enzymes contained in the vegetables. This allows you to prepare quick soups for your family that are still packed with vitamins and minerals as these are not lost in the lengthy process of simmering soups.
TO MAKE....
Place the following ingredients into the Vitamix jug, or into a large pot - 2 cups of water (half can be substituted with coconut milk), 1/2 a red capsicum (with seems and stem), 1 carrot, 1 stick of celery (with leaves attached), 1 yellow squash, (optional) 1 spring onion (with root) or half small red onion, 1 handful of cabbage, 1/2 an apple (with skin & seeds), 1 slice of lemon (with skin & seeds) or rough chopped lemon grass, 2 handfuls of cashews, 1 clove of garlic (with skin), 1.5cm of ginger (with skin), 1 handful of coriander leaves and 1 vegetable stock cube (or DIY stock instead of water). If you have any kaffir lime leaves then add a couple.
Once in the Vitamix jug, put on the lid and select Variable 1. Turn the Vitamix on, then increase the speed to 10 and then to high. Blend the soup for 4-6 mins or until the soup reaches the desired temperature.
Alternatively, place all these ingredients into a pot and heat til steaming, then blend. You'll still be able to achieve the same taste without the Vitamix, it will just take a little longer and an extra piece of equipment!
Ideal for a late (work) night dinner or nutritious after school snack for hungry kids.
You can view the recipe here and to access more Vitamix recipes here. Image: pinterest via Margarita Stewart This is not a paid post tho I did get to experience a Vitamix for 6 weeks leading up the Healthivate conference on a wet chilly day in Sydney. It was there that Vitamix served this soup and EVERYONE was blown away.