Good Source of Vitamin C
One of the 13 essential vitamins needed for the body to function. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can be found in Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Citrus fruits, Potatoes, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomatoes and Tomato juice.
Chilled Tomato Soup with Cilantro and Yogurt Swirl
Serves 4
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped (about 5 cups)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
2 teaspoons chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (can)
1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears or can)
1 cup ice water
2 tablespoons lime juice to taste
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup low fat plain yogurt
To prepare soup: Toast cumin in a small skillet over low heat, stirring, until just fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
Combine tomatoes, onion, 2 tablespoons cilantro and chipotle in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the toasted cumin, corn, ice water, lime juice and salt; stir to combine. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour or until ready to serve.
To prepare cilantro yogurt: Puree yogurt and the remaining 1/4 cup cilantro in a blender or food processor until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve (it will thicken slightly as it stands).
To serve, divide the soup among 4 bowls and garnish each with a generous swirl of cilantro yogurt.
Nutritional Information< Calories 128; Carbohydrates 28g; Cholesterol 4mg; Fiber 5g; Sodium: 667mg; Fat 2g; Protein 7g; Potassium 627mg
* Source: Medicine Plus, Eating Well
Yogurt is a food produced by fermentation of milk. It comes in a variety of flavors and is nutritionally rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Yogurt has impressive health benefits. If you're not a fan of yogurt, experiment with different varieties and flavors, or mix it with something you do like. Maybe this soup or a smoothie.
Cilantro vs Parsley. Some cooks replace cilantro with parsley. They actually offer amazing benefits. Briefly, here are a few of the differences.
Cilantro is an herb with fantastic flavor. Nothing opens up the flavor in black bean tacos quite the same way. Ancient Greece used cilantro essential oil as a component of perfume. It's aromatic, helps prevent cardiovascular damage, lowers blood sugar (is used as a remedy for diabetes), is a strong antioxidant, improves sleep.
In cooking, use all of the cilantro leaves, roots, stems and seeds either as a garnish or as a key recipe ingredient.
Parsley is Mediterranean herb around for more than 2000 years. Parsley provides nature’s best carotenoids. It supports kidney function, blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley tea relaxes stiff muscles and encourages digestion. Studies indicate that parsley may have a role in inhibiting cancerous tumors.
In cooking, only parsley leaves are used, chopped and sprinkled as a garnish. Parsley is also added to recipes, especially to add flavoring soups and stocks.