Posts Tagged ‘Nutritious’

Carrot Ginger Soup

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

This is another quick, easy & healthy favorite from Cartagena, although we do serve a carrot and rose petal version of this delicious soup in Marrakech. Noted for its unique flavor and antioxidant properties, the ginger in this recipe meshes well with the sweetness of the carrots and ads flavorful kick!

You can prepare a large batch of this soup – freeze & reheat on the stove top when ready to eat!

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced

½ large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 small ginger root, peeled and minced

2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

2 tbsp. of brown sugar

Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

Directions:

1. Steam the carrots in a large pot until tender for 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

3. While the carrots cook, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and ginger, stirring frequently for 6 to 8 minutes, or until everything is soft but not browned.

4. Transfer the carrots to a food processor or blender and add the garlic-ginger mixture. Blend for two to three minutes until smooth.

5. Return to the large saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to sweeten to taste.

6. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds.

7. Serve immediately & Enjoy!

Spinach Soup

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

This quick and easy soup was a favorite of all the guests. Low in fat and calories, but full of iron and antioxidants- enjoy!

Makes 4- 6  servings
Ingredients:
2 heads of fresh spinach
1/2 cup of chopped onion
olive oil
To prepare:
1. Steam the spinach in water for 15 minutes, or until cooked.
3. While the spinach is steaming, saute the chopped onion in a 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil until soft
4. Drain the spinach
5. Place the spinach and onion in a blender. Blend until smooth.
6. Reheat mixture on stove top to serve.
7. Enjoy!
If you want to thicken it a bit you can add a 1/2 cup of skim milk to the blender, but this is optional. Another way to thicken it a bit (dairy free!) is by steaming ONE small potato and adding the potato to the blender. This gives the soup a slightly thicker consistency.
spinach soup

Hibiscus Tea Recipe & Benefits

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Hibiscus tea is made from the hibiscus flower which is native to warm, tropical climates such as Zihuatanejo , Mexico and Marrakech, Morocco- two favorite Escape To Shape locations. Caffeine free and loaded with antioxidants known to help protect against cell-damaging free radicals this tea is also known to significantly lower high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol. Additionally, hibiscus tea is packed with vitamin C, and therefore is a refreshing and delicious way to give the immune system a nice boost!

Prepare the hibiscus flower tea concentrate below and then store in your refrigerator, where is can keep for months. Delicious over ice or served warm.

Hibiscus Flower Tea (Concentrate)
Makes about 5 cups

8 c. water
2 c. dried hibiscus flowers
1 c. agave nectar, or stevia or sugar to taste

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add flowers, stir and simmer over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a little while.

Strain mixture into a large container (with a lid to cover later), and add the agave, stevia or sugar. Stir until well mixed.

Once the concentrate has cooled, cover well and refrigerate.

When you are ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour…

To make tea, dilute 1/3  cup concentrate with 2/3 cup of water- enjoy over ice, with a squeeze of fresh lime! Or enjoy warm…