I am a very intimidated chef! I used to be a Lean Cuisine girl and I have spent several years now trying to make that change. It all started when I did P90X and the eating plan called for me to make my own food...what a hassle!!! lol. I hav...e to find the time to workout AND cook? Crap! But I committed and followed the plan and lost 35 pounds with P90X! Well, that made me realize pretty quickly that cooking was a good idea...so it was time to figure it out!
Since then, I have fallen in love with Pinterest (haven't we all?)...but the recipes can be terrifying! Lemon zest? Seriously?! So I try to find simple recipes and combine aspects of harder ones slowly to create a unique meal that I can enjoy without 20+ ingredients! Typically, I have to admit I am a 5 ingredient girl...any more than that and I get overwhelmed and recipes get expensive! So if it the recipe does have more than 5 ingredients, it's because they are simple, inexpensive and/or I already have them on hand at home.
That all being said, I made a delicious soup last night...yes, I MADE SOUP!!! Now my husband wasn't a huge fan, I have to admit, but he is easing into this healthier lifestyle so I am cutting him some slack.
It is an Apple Ginger Butternut Squash Soup...delightful!
Since then, I have fallen in love with Pinterest (haven't we all?)...but the recipes can be terrifying! Lemon zest? Seriously?! So I try to find simple recipes and combine aspects of harder ones slowly to create a unique meal that I can enjoy without 20+ ingredients! Typically, I have to admit I am a 5 ingredient girl...any more than that and I get overwhelmed and recipes get expensive! So if it the recipe does have more than 5 ingredients, it's because they are simple, inexpensive and/or I already have them on hand at home.
That all being said, I made a delicious soup last night...yes, I MADE SOUP!!! Now my husband wasn't a huge fan, I have to admit, but he is easing into this healthier lifestyle so I am cutting him some slack.
It is an Apple Ginger Butternut Squash Soup...delightful!
Ingredients:
3 Apples, peeled and chopped (I chose Gala)
2 lbs Butternut Squash, peeled and chopped (a 2.5 lb fresh one or 2 lbs pre-cut)
Ginger root (don't get scared, crazy easy!)
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 Onion, peeled and chopped (you can also buy this pre-cut in the produce section)
2 Tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
8 cups of chicken broth or water (equals about 4 cans, pick low-sodium)
Directions:
Pick a deep pot that will be able to hold all the ingredients.
Heat EVOO over medium heat until warm.
Sautee onions until browned (about 10-15 minutes).
Add chopped apples, butternut squash , cinnamon and ginger.
Cook for 10 minutes.
Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
Then reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally and cook for 30 minutes.
Blend small batches (it took me 4) in a blender (I used my Ninja, but any regular blender should work).
Serve hot!
This recipe creates 6 servings, but at only 158 calories, you can have as much as you want! I paired it with a mixed salad with kale from Costco and it was a perfect dinner!
If you choose to use water instead of chicken broth (to reduce sodium) then here is the nutritional info:
I included the nutritional info by using www.myfitnesspal.com to create a recipe and chart the ingredients.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and share it with others! Be sure to follow me at www.facebook.com/sparkhealthandfitness for more recipes & healthy living tips!
XOXO
Aschley Roach