“Organic Eggplant and Sun-Dried Tomato Soup”

Here is a great tasting vegan soup that will satisfy even the hungriest of souls looking for a hot meal that’s full of great nutrition. And with gluten free pasta this soup is very filling— great for those cold winter days.

Ingredients:

4 - Medium Organic Eggplant - Chopped

3 - Cups of Organic Sun Dried Tomatoes

1 - Large Organic Yellow Onion - Chopped

7 - Cloves of Organic Garlic - Minced

3 - Cups of Organic Gluten Free Pasta

3 - Cups of Organic Kale - Chopped— Any green will work
1/4 - Cup of Organic Italian Seasoning

2 - Tablespoons of Organic Ground Annatto Seeds - for that nice yellow color

2 - Tablespoons of Organic Dried Oregano Leaves - Crushed

3 - Cubes of Organic Salt-Free Veggie Bouillon Cubes

Enough Spray Organic Olive Oil to Cover the Bottom of the Pan

Enough Filtered Water to Cover Everything

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Regular Cooking Method

Take the pasta and cook it until tender and remove and reserve for later. Then in a large pot and add the onion and garlic and sauté them until translucent. Then add the eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, ground annatto seeds, oregano leaves, bouillon cubes, and enough water to cover everything and cook until everything is tender. Then add the cooked pasta and cook for another 10 or 15 minutes. Next turn off the heat and add the chopped kale, then salt and pepper to taste and there you have it… a great tasting soup.

Let cool slightly and serve

Serves 12 people

Electronic Pressure Cooker Method

Take all the ingredients including the pasta— except the kale and add them to a 6-quart electronic pressure cooker and place the cooker on the soup setting. When done add the kale and let cool slightly and serve. Pressure cooking preserves more nutrients than regular cooking methods and new electronic pressure cookers are extremely safe. I love my pressure cooker!

Health Benefits of Organic Eggplant

Powerful Antioxidant – Eggplant contains a phytonutrient called Nasunin that’s found in the dark purple skin of eggplant, it’s one of the most powerful antioxidants around (And it is only found in Eggplant). Nasunin has the ability to repair DNA damage, slow the aging process, and help keep diseases like cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer away. Nasunin is a phenolic compound like that found in green tea.

Cancer – Nasunim is a powerful antiangiogenic compound that keeps cancer cells from creating blood supply… thus preventing tumor formation.

Brain Protection – Animal studies show that Eggplant contains compounds that protect the fatty acids in the brain… and thus help to protect the brain from free radical damage.

Chlorogenic Acid – Eggplant contains chlorogenic acid which is one of the best antioxidants on the planet. Protect your body from bacterial, fungal, and viral infections by boosting your immune system and preventing cancer.

Low Glycemic Index – Eggplant has a low glycemic index of 15 making it great for diabetics.

Nervous System – Eggplant contains soroparone & scopoletin which are both compounds that relax and soothe the nervous system.

Weight Loss – Eggplant is very low in calories making it great for weight loss. And because it contains lots of fiber, it makes you feel full thus you eat less. Also, eggplant contains lots of water to make your skin and hair look great.

Low in Carbs and No Fat – Eggplant has little to no fats and it’s very low in carbs. But remember if you add lots of egg, oil, cheese and other fatting things to eggplant it’s no longer a low-calorie food.

Inflammation – Because Eggplant contains lots of great antioxidants it also helps with inflammation such as arthritis, joint problems, and other inflammatory diseases.

Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure – Because Eggplant contains chlorogenic acid and 13 other powerful antioxidants that lower bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. In studies with rats give
Eggplant juice their cholesterol went down drastically and their arteries relaxed which lowered blood pressure.

Vitamin K – Eggplant is a good source of Vitamin K to prevent excess clotting… and thus prevent heart attacks.

Contains – Eggplant contains B Vitamins for vitality and good mood, potassium for water regulation and heart health, copper for anemia, manganese for bone health and fertility, calcium and phosphorus for strong bones.

Fiber – Plus Eggplant contains lots of great fiber to keep you regular, and promote the growth of probiotic bacteria in your colon and boost your immune system.

Excess Iron – Iron is important for bodily function but too much iron can lead to higher cholesterol, cancer, and joint damage. The compound Nasunin found in Eggplant regulates iron allowing you to have the iron you need without allowing excess iron to damage your body.

Remember to Eat Organic — Regular veggies contain up to 6 cancer causing chemicals, 10 to 12 hormone-disrupting chemicals, and 10 other disease causing chemicals— so please only eat organic food.

Enjoy this wonderful soup!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist