Today’s recipe is from the Mayo Clinic.
I learned a lot of things in a short period of time a few months ago, when dad was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. One of these things is that a lot of cancer patients cannot stomach protein. It makes them feel ill/naseaus. Before the diagnosis was given to our family, dad’s eating habits had changed and we weren’t really sure why. Seemed like he would just pick at food here and there, and a lot of things he used to like no longer interested him. One reason for this is that, as you may know – protein is an essential building block for growth of our cells. Well, when your body is overrun with Cancerous cells, you don’t really WANT them to grow. I think the body’s will to survive is an amazing thing. Your body will tell you what you need, or what you don’t need if you really take the time to listen to it. Pair this soup with a lean protein such as turkey, chicken breast, or a nice cut of steak to complete your meal.
If dad were still around this fall, I would make him this.
Dietitian’s tip: Canned pumpkin puree, available year-round, is an easy source for the mashed cooked pumpkin. When pumpkins abound in the fall, however, you can make your own puree by roasting a small pie pumpkin and whipping the flesh in a blender or food processor.
Serves 4
Ingredients
3/4 cup water
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 cup unsalted vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup fat-free milk
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 green onion, green top only, chopped
Directions
In a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of the water over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Don’t let the onion dry out.
Add the remaining water, pumpkin, broth, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and cook until hot. Don’t boil.
Ladle into warmed individual bowls and garnish with black pepper and green onion tops. Serve immediately.
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 72
Total Fat: 1
Cholestorol: 1mg
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrate: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 231 mg
Calcium: 78mg
Potassium: 179 mg
Photo credit to Simplyrecipes.com
