Our Winter Warmer - Red Thai Sweet Potato Soup

We all know that what you put into your body goes hand-in-hand with how you feel. Looking after ourselves in winter (more than ever before) is so important. However for many people time is short and funds are tight so I wanted for this weeks segment to look at a nourishing and easy-to-make meal.

I have been chatting to Faith Toogood who is a hugely respected and experienced dietitian based in North Cornwall. Presently, Faith is working extremely hard for the NHS so I am even more grateful that she took time to put together an easy and cost effective recipe for our journal.

Red Thai Sweet Potato Soup

This is a really simple, warming and nourishing soup. You can substitute the sweet potato for butternut squash if that is easier or use a combination of both.  It is rich in beta carotene (vitamin A) which is a powerful antioxidant playing a vital role in supporting our immune systems. 

Ingredients

Vegetable oil

1 large onion, finely chopped OR use frozen chopped onion

1 -2 tbsp red thai curry paste (add more if you like it spicy)

2-3 very large sweet potatoes, peeled and grated (you can also use peeled butternut squash)

1 litre vegetable stock

1 can coconut milk

1 handful coriander roughly chopped (optional)

To serve - toasted sourdough / baguette / bagel …. Whatever you have at home

Method

1. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan, then soften the onion for 4-5 mins until cooked through but not browned. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the grated sweet potato and stock, then bring quickly to the boil, simmering for 20 mins or until the potato is tender.

2. Remove the soup from the heat, stir in the coconut and seasoning, then cool briefly before whizzing with a stick blender until smooth. The quantities are fairly vague so as ever, just tweak to suit your likes. Reduce the amount of stock if you prefer a thick soup and add extra if you like a thinner soup. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with a few thin red chilli slices and some coriander if you are a coriander fan (!).

3. Serve on its own or with some soft warm bread. If there is any left then just portion up and freeze for a speedy lunch in the coming weeks.

Here are some other gentle tips for keeping well in winter, which we will continue to chat about as the evenings draw in.

Exercise - A great way to boost your mood and get out in order to increase your exposure to natural light. When it’s colder it can be harder to get outside but even if you get out for ten minutes and be active and exercise you will feel better for it! So, get outside every day to increase your exposure to natural light.

Sleep - You will benefit from shifting your bedtime routine so that you get more sleep during the winter months. With this in mind, it can be helpful to also bring forward your evening meal so you have time to digest. A warm bath, turning off your phone and perhaps gentle mindfulness techniques will also help relax you into a calmer state before bed.

Vitamin D - Vital for energy, mood, sleep and immune function. Vitamin D is one of the most powerful nutrients for supporting the immune system. Take a supplement in those winter months to ensure you are topped up.

Thank you for reading and do reach out if you have any questions as always.