I know I constantly write about inspirations and being inspired but I honestly just can’t help myself as these days I am finding more and more everywhere I look. Maybe it’s the book I’m reading that is giving me that constant reminder to “take a step back and let the universe lead the way”. Or maybe it’s the fact that I have become inspired by classic traditional recipes from all around the world, discovering that there is more than fajitas in Mexico or pasta in Italy. Learning about how everyday simple meals can actually detoxify your entire body and nourish you in ways more than one.
I came across this AMAZING recipe and food blogger Aysegul Sanford a few weeks back as I was searching for a soothing, filling, detoxing soup recipe for the week ahead. What else can i say other than A) she is the sweetest woman with the kindest heart, who has inspired me to keep on this journey and follow my dreams. & B) this recipe itself is insanely delicious! In every way, shape and form.
Let me explain why I am so happy I encountered finding this unassuming gem…
It’s time to make kabocha the star that it deserves to be.
Perfectly roasted with the texture and flavour similar to a sweet potato: the soft, moist, fluffy flesh is surprisingly sweet and slightly nutty. Kabocha squash is a centuries-old variety of Japanese squash that in Japan is often referred to as a Japanese pumpkin.
For this recipe you can entirely sub out Kabocha for Butternut Squash as I’m sure it would still taste and look absolutely delicious.
However if you can get your hands on Kabocha at your local grocery store and/or produce supplier I highly suggest it!
Here are 8 reasons why Kabocha squash is entirely amazing and why you need it in your life!
1. Kabocha is like butternut squash‘s sadly underappreciated sister. A single cup of kabocha has forty calories compared to butternut squash’s 60, and has less than half of the carbs of butternut squash (7 grams vs. 16 grams). But, it tastes better… the perfect substitute.
2. Kabocha squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene, owing to it’s bright orange flesh, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for healthy white blood cells, good immunity and for vibrant eyes, skin and hair. A single serving of kabocha squash provides 70% of the day’s recommended requirement!
3. Kabocha is also a good source of iron, vitamin C and some B vitamins.
4. In addition, it contains fiber, which we could all use a little more of. To boost the fiber content even more, cook it with the edible skins on.
5. Which brings us to the next great advantage: You can eat the peel! And it is soft and delicious.
6. Who needs cornstarch? Thicken your soups with kabocha. Simply take a fork to your cooked kabocha and mash it up until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Kabocha is a dieter’s delight. Make a whole pot of kabocha stew mixed in with other veggies (I like leeks and fennel) and eat it for the whole week. You’re bound to drop a few, so long as it’s not accompanied by bread slathered in butter.
8. Can we say versatile? Kabocha can be roasted in the oven simply (perhaps with a dusting of cinnamon) or can create a creamy base for any soup. The world of desserts can also be explored with this ‘pumpkin’.
Information derived by organicauthority.com
Impressed yet???
I know right! Now wait till you taste her….
Next up the teeny tiny powerhouse of greens…. Watercress.
Just ONE single serving of fresh Watercress provides so much for your body its crazy!
Head on over to https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/watercress.html to check it out and again if you can get your hands on some organic cress that hasn’t travelled half way around the world then kudos to you!
Aysengul Sanford is the talented, beautiful, inspiring journalist and food blogger behind Foolproof Living. She is firm believer that if you know how to read, you know how to cook. Striving to write recipes with easy-to-follow instructions and ones with ingredients that are accessible to everyone.
Cheers to meeting you “Ice” 🙂 and to this beautiful KABOCHA SOUP!
Happy Thursday Friends!
XOXO
(vegan) 
(gluten-free) 
(dairy-free)
