Eat, Drink and Still Shrink by Michele Chevalley Hedge,

Published by Plum, RRP $34.99,

Photography by Cath Muscat.

C R E A M Y   V E G E T A B L E  S O U P 

“I love cream and I love veggies so when I can combine them both in a soup I do. But the tastebud explosion here is not cream at all … it is the creaminess of cashews, making it a lighter meal than you might expect, but still packed with protein and nutrients. Enjoy it just as it is, or sprinkle over your choice of fresh herbs.” p150  

SERVES 4  PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINS COOKING TIME: 30 MINS
1 cup raw unsalted cashews
2 tablespoons coconut oil or
extra virgin olive oil
1 large brown onion, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
5 cups chopped broccoli,cauliflower and/or carrots
3–4 cups vegetable stock or water
2 teaspoons sea salt
1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (to taste)
coriander sprigs, to serve

Soak the cashews in water for 15 minutes, then drain.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the vegetables and enough stock or water to cover, then season with the
salt and cayenne pepper.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the drained cashews, then blend with a stick blender (or in an upright blender) until smooth.

Divide among four bowls and serve hot garnished
with coriander.

DITCH THE NUTS: If you don’t eat nuts, add 200 ml coconut milk
just before blending (heat it through at a simmer over low heat
otherwise it will separate).

BULK IT UP: Add a drained 400 g tin of chickpeas or legumes of your
choice after blending and simmer for 10 minutes. Remember legumes
are both a carb and a protein so go easy on them at dinner.

SPICE IT UP: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, chilli powder or
jalapeno pepper powder.