Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of butternut squash soup. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and full of nutrients that help keep you grounded and energized through the cooler months.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 4 cups of Butternut Squash peeled and chopped

• 2 lg carrots diced

• 2 celery stalks

• 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Small white onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 32 ounces of low-sodium vegetable stock/broth OR use half vegetable stock and half water (about 15 ounces each)

• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme (or more to taste-use dried if you don’t have fresh available)

• 1 tablespoon dried basil ( optional)

• 1/4 can of coconut milk

• 1/2 teaspoon sea-salt (more or less, to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (more or less, to taste)

• 1 tsp toasted pumpkin seeds

To Prepare

• Heat olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed soup pan on medium heat.

• Add onion, garlic, and sauté until translucent. (About 3-5 minutes, make sure not to “burn” onions.)

• Add carrots, squash, and veggie stock.

• Bring to a gentle boil then lower to a simmer.

• Stir occasionally for about 30 minutes.

• Cook until tender

• Add cooked soup carefully in portions to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.

• Add a little water or broth if needed.

• Return to pot and whisk in coconut milk.

• Heat again slowly if needed

• Top with fresh toasted Pumpkin seeds, chopped basil, parsley, or cilantro

Quinoa Veggie Saute

4 servings

(Note: double up the recipe for more servings during the week but add greens on when your ready to serve)

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package directions (try cooking with vegetable broth/stock instead of water for added flavor.)

• 1 red onion, or leek chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil/ coconut oil or you can omit and use vegetable broth

• 1 red or yellow pepper chopped, or a combo of both

• 1 small carrot, chopped

• 1 cup of Cremni and / or Portobello mushrooms

• 2 cup broccoli florets

• ½ cooked sweet potato ( optional)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil (or 1-2 tablespoon dried basil)

• 4 cups of arugula

• Sea salt & ground pepper to taste

• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for a zesty kick)

To Prepare

•  In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil ( or broth) over medium heat.

• Add onions and sauté 2 minutes. (Make sure not to “burn” onions.)

• Add in garlic and sauté 2 more minutes.

• Add veggies and sauté another 3-5 minutes or until desired tenderness.

• Add basil (reserving one tablespoon for garnish) for another minute or so.

• In large bowl combine veggie mixture to cooked quinoa, toss gently

• Salt and pepper to taste.

• Add in a few splashes of vegetable broth or water if you want more moisture.

• Squeeze on lemon juice for a zesty, refreshing burst.

• Sprinkle on remaining chopped basil, some cherry tomatoes, micro greens etc

• Add on top of arugula or your favorite greens