This soup is gorgeous and nutrient-rich. Serve with a nice lump of fresh wholemeal bread, and get transported to heaven!
1 red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
3 red peppers, coarsely chopped
1 large sweet potato, diced
vegetable stock
- Sauté the onion and garlic along with a pinch of salt in a little olive oil, until the onion has softened.
- Add the red peppers and sweet potato to the pan with the onion and garlic.
- Add enough vegetable stock to cover all the ingredients, and simmer until the potatoes have softened.
- At this point, use a hand blender, or add to a food processor, and blend into a smooth soup.
Medicinal Properties
Red Peppers
Red peppers are bursting with a whole range of powerful compounds. The chemicals responsible for the deep vivid red colour are compounds called flavonoids, which have a very powerful antioxidant property. All varieties of pepper contain a large amount of a compound called beta carotene, which is also a colour pigment, ranging from yellow to deep orange. Beta carotene is the plant source of vitamin A. Beta carotene is also a fat-soluble antioxidant. This means that it will be most active within fatty tissues, especially the fatty areas of subcutaneous tissue of the skin. This will help to protect the skin from free radical damage, and can help to maintain elasticity and plumpness.
Helpful Hint: When buying red peppers, buy the darkest coloured ones that you can find. The darker they are, the higher the concentration of the antioxidant flavonoids.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are also very rich sources of beta carotene. It is this compound that is responsible for the vivid orange colour of their flesh.
