Nourish the Budding Lotus

Sweet Pea and Mint Soup

As I mentioned in my last post, I am taking a mini-cleanse weekend.  Hopefully a jump start to reconnecting with my love for vegetables, and savory breakfast soups.  Saturday was day 1 and it went really well.  Yes, I did have cravings, but I did not give in.  I reassured myself that I will be able to have a treat here and there soon, but I am gifting myself right now with an opportunity, and I want to take full advantage of it.

I have gifted myself with times of cleanse in the past and I find there are some important factors for me that help the cleanse feel successful.  The most important is to be prepared.  I find that if I have recipes planned, food purchased, and meals made before I get hungry, everything works out really well.  I also find that it is really important for me to fully participate in the creativity of the meal.  Making the food myself, putting my energy and love into what I will be consuming is key.  Eye-candy helps too.  If it looks sexy, it often tastes better!

This soup is a stand-by every time that I cleanse.  It is super easy to make, has a great combination of flavors and hits the spot in the morning when I want something to warm my belly.  I think of it as cleanse comfort food.  Of course every cleanse is different, so this may not fit into everyone’s cleanse requirements, but it is really good even outside of a cleanse…so be sure to try it out and let me know what you think.

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Sweet Pea, Ginger and Mint Soup

1 bag frozen sweet peas (16 oz)
1 medium shallot, diced
2 T fresh ginger, minced
1/4 c fresh mint
1 T olive oil
water
salt & pepper

In a medium sauce pan heat the olive oil on a low/med setting.  Add shallots and ginger and sautee for about 3 minutes.

Next add 3/4 of the bag of frozen peas, stirring for 1 minute.

Add enough water to cover the peas and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.

Let the soup cool enough to place in a blender.  Add soup and fresh mint and puree the combination.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Return the soup to the pan and add the last of the peas.  They will defrost in the warm soup but will retain a bit of pop.

note:  if you are cleansing and would like to avoid salt, try it without.  the soup has so much flavor on its own that you won’t even miss it!

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