We all know that eating leafy greens is good for us. Leafy greens are loaded with phytonutrients as well as protein, vitamins and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your daily diet. Like all fruits and vegetables, it is good to rotate the leafy greens you have in your diet so that you get a wide range of nutrients, and also because leafy greens carry a small amount of alkaloids that protect plants from being entirely consumed by other animals and wiping out the plant species. If you only ever eat the same type of leafy green vegetables day in and day out, these alkaloids can build up in your system. That’s why rotating them in your diet and getting variety is always key.
Throughout the week, use different leafy greens to ensure that your body is not relying on only one source of greens and that you are taking advantage of the nutrients available in the various varieties of greens available throughout the year- this is where eating seasonally is also wonderful as we eat just as nature intends us to.
This green soup below is incredibly simple and also very delicious. You’ll be surprised at how tasty a nutrient-dense soup can be! Select whatever leafy greens and fresh herbs you have on hand in the final stage of the soup – it’s very versatile. This soup keeps 3-4 days in the fridge or also freezes well.
Easy Green Soup
- 2 heads broccoli
- 2 zucchini
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 leek
- 2 garlic
- 1 bunch of bok choy
- 4 cups of vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup coriander
- 1/4 cup Thai basil
- 3/4-1cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1/2 cup edamame beans or baby peas
- 1 cup of fresh leafy greens (baby spinach/kale/silverbeet/chard/Asian greens)
- 1/2 a lemon or lime
- salt and pepper to season
Pop the coconut oil in a large saucepan and add the leek and garlic. Saute until soft, then add the broccoli, zucchini and bok choy. Add the stock and cook on a low simmer for 15 minutes or so until the vegetables are tender. Add the fresh herbs and edamame and cook for another minute or two.
Remove from the heat and add all remaining ingredients.
Transfer to a blender and blend in batches as needed until smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon, salt and pepper to taste and enjoy warm.
