Book Review: Raw Energy

 "Raw Energy: 124 Raw Food Recipes for Energy Bars, Smoothies and Other Snacks to Supercharge Your Body"

(Photo Credit: Food & Beverage World.com)

Raw energy, um I could use some of that, and maybe after reading Stephanie Tourles book -- by the same name -- I will be on my way thanks to her super healthy non-cooked soup recipes. Although, the book is packed with raw recipes ranging from vegetable chips, trail mixes, energy bars, smoothies and even cookies and candies, the obvious focus for this review is all about her soups.

Having a raw focus means that none of the soups in Tourles book are cooked or use processed ingredients. I've featured a few raw soups on Soupy like this chilled watermelon/lime soup and Jessica Hulett's raw spinach soup and am certainly a fan of simplicity in the kitchen (not to mention reaping the benefits of eating raw). After reading Tourles' collection of soup recipes there are so many more exciting soup recipes to try out that only require a blender and some patience while the soups chill. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Tahitian mango ginger soup recipe, which also happens to be the first recipe to kick-off the soup section, is described as having a "delicious hint of warming spices" that also aids the digestive system and cleans the kidneys. I love the combination of mint sprigs, gingerroot and curry -- and the fact that it only takes a few minutes to prep doesn't hurt.

2, Honey melon pear soup sounds like the perfect and refreshing recipe for those sticky and humid summer months. Essentially just the melons and some honey and lime the soup is a great source of vitamin C, fiber and just happens to relieve constipation.

3. Cucumber avocado cream soup actually doesn't have any cream, but is a creamy-like soup with a kick thanks to the use of avocados and jalpeno peppers. Now, that is an interesting combo and this  "beauty soup" (described by Tourles) is a great source of antioxidants, healthy fat, protein and fiber.

Other yummy soups featured in "Raw Energy" cool cucumber cress soup, raspberry ricky soup, papaya sunset soup and dreamy carrot cream soup.

Check out Tourles' book. Couldn't we all use a little more 'raw energy' in our lives?

Serioulsy Soupy Serena

Raw Spinach Soup

Raw Spinach Soup By Jessica Hulett

Guest Blogger: Jessica Hulett 

When Serena asked me to do a guest blog post, I was excited both because I've been on a serious raw food kick this summer, and because I've been too lazy to update my own blog. Raw soups are great when it's sweltering outside (like it currently is in Brooklyn and has been for what feels like an eternity), since you only need a blender. I love to whip this one up for lunch on a Monday, because almost all of the ingredients are great natural detoxers, and I can undo all of the damage I did over the weekend—usually of the wine and pizza variety—and start fresh.   

A couple of notes about the recipe. While most raw soups can be chilled beforehand, this one should really be served right away, otherwise the avocado will oxidize and start to turn brown. Nama shoyu is raw, unpasteurized soy sauce, usually sold at health food stores. Regular soy sauce is a fine substitute taste-wise, though the soup will no longer be 100 percent raw. Enjoy! 

Raw Spinach-Avocado Soup

Serves 2 as a main dish  

Ingredients:

2 cups packed spinach leaves

1 avocado, pitted and skinned

1 medium cucumber, peeled and cubed

2 large cloves garlic

1/2-inch piece fresh ginger

2 tablespoons nama shoyu  (raw unpasteurized soy sauce)

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup water

Sprouts, for serving (optional)  

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend on high until smooth. If soup is too thick, thin with additional water. Top with sprouts, if using, serve immediately, and enjoy!

To read more recipes by Jess, check out her blog: Jessica Hulett -- Chef, Writer and Modern Day Hippie.

Do you have a soup that you would like to contribute to Seriously Soupy? Email me at seriouslysoupy@gmail.com for more details!