J-Pen, as I affectionately like to call this soup, or Jewish Penicillin, is the type of recipe that has becomes habitual from years and years of exposure. Somehow, the steps and process permeate my being and, every time an inkling of a cold emerges, J-Pen is the first line of defense. In my family, each generation puts their unique imprint on the soup, but the root of the matter is always the same. For my version, I add extra immune boosters - ginger and turmeric - to add that nutrient oomph. I also take the extra step of browning the chicken, a simple albeit slightly timely step that yields a multitude of value in flavor. Browning the chicken not only locks in the juices and creates a caramelized crust on the meat, but also the browned bits in the pan add a fantastic foundation to the soup, lending depth and flavor. The finishing touch of lime, which is one of my favorite tricks learned from my Mexican co-workers during my restaurant days, provides a refreshing burst of acidity as well as a dose of Vitamin C. Although this soup is not your mother's J-Pen, it for sure will become a staple in your home on frosty nights or "under the weather" days.
Read moreDid Someone Say Lentil? Smokey Lentil and Kale Soup to Fix your Winter Rut
This month is all about manifesting my insatiable love for soup. Not only are soups typically forgiving and flexible, they can be quite amenable to augmentation if you happen to run out of a particular spice or herb. A hearty soup or stew can be repurposed for multiple meals throughout the week, alleviating much of the 8pm, just home from work/gym, grab a bag of blue corn chips hangry drama. For my take on lentil soup, I enriched the flavors with smoked paprika, spicy chili powder, and warm and earthy cumin to add a distinct robustness to this hearty winter soup. A handful of baby kale is added right before eating for added nutrient density and a burst of color.
Read moreA Soup For The Winter Blues
If you happen to be living in Hawaii and nursing the last few drops of that piña colada, then you may have missed the memo. It's freezing here on the East Coast, single digits freezing. The type of bitter cold that makes you want to hibernate until spring, never remove your shearling slippers and cashmere loungewear, and curse that infamous area of a witch.
Read moreSuper Simple Soup
Tomatoes can be fickle, sometimes emanating pure summer in a mouthful, while at other times promises of juiciness and the pristine balance of acid and sweet turn out to be mealy and bland. A surefire way to elevate your tomato game is a slow and leisurely roast. Slow roasted tomatoes have endless possibilities- tossed with brown rice pasta, pureed into tomato sauce, submerged in a grain bowl, or blended for a simple and flavorful soup. Here is my super simple slow roasted tomato soup.
Read moreSoup Session
Like a moto boot or a classic camel coat, squash is the “must have” item for fall. It comes in various shapes and sizes and can work well when paired with accessories like paprika or caramelized onion. For a warming fall soup, I melded roasted vitamin A and C rich squash with caramelized onion and pear for a nutrient rich and colorful dish - the perfect way to continue to embrace fall essentials. The soup pairs well with a simple green salad or is hearty enough to enjoy alone. Play up the garnishes with some fresh dill, spiced yogurt, or toasted nuts.
Read moreA Soup For Summer: Watermelon Gazpacho
Adequate hydration is essential for optimal wellness. The ideal source of hydration comes from clean and simple H2O. Not only does water quench your thirst, it is involved in a myriad of essential bodily functions. Water helps ensure luminous skin, flushes toxins from the body, and carries nutrients to and from the cells.
Read morePop it Off
This recipe was initially featured on Refinery29, but I wanted it to find a home here, on The Crunchy Radish. Zesty, flavorful, and antioxidant- rich, this carrot ginger soup makes for a lovely light and nourishing "clean" meal. The topping of the poppers makes the soup more hearty and fills a void where heavy and calorically dense croutons or bread typically lie.
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