Ital Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup for #SundaySupper

Feb 24, 2013 by lovelypantry

Winter is wonderful for many reasons. Sure it is cold, but you get to indulge just a little and have foods that you probably wouldn’t have in warmer weather. I love a good hearty thick soup with texture and things to chew on. But I’m not opposed to a rich flavourful broth filled with goodness. This our Souper #SundaySupper edition. You guessed it ~ its all about soups. We will be sharing soups that can be loved year round. Our lovely host this week is Pam from The Meltaways. Whatever your fancy, we will have a soup for your liking.

I am sharing a soup from a cookbook by Levi Roots called Caribbean Food Made Easy. I adore the soups in this book. The last one I made was Black Bean Soup with Hot Roast Pepper Cream and it was wonderfully delicious. This recipe, Ital Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup, is just as wonderful with a bright colour, rich in beta carotene, fibre and other nutrients. I chose to omit the scotch bonnet pepper this time though. I really wanted the kids to try it 🙂 A little heat will bring this soup to the next level.

 

 

Oh, and for those who are unfamiliar with the term “Ital” it is a term mostly used by Rastafarians and means pure and natural (pertaining to food and lifestyle). Ital is a derivative of the word Vital.  Ital Food, is food that is produced from the earth. Ideally, this food is grown without pesticides or as we say in North America, Organic. But aside from that, it is basically a vegetarian way of life. Not all the ingredients in this recipe were organic, but I feel really good about it regardless 🙂

 

 

(I could totally live like this if only I didn’t like a little thing called bacon.)

 

 

I used packaged cream of coconut, but if I were in the tropics I would (or perhaps get someone else to) crack open a coconut and get the milk from it!

 

 

Not often do you hear of a broth being replaced by the juice of a vegetable. I loved that the carrot juice was the base of this soup. Thankfully Organic Carrot Juice is available for purchase. This soup was ready in under an hour. Imagine adding juicing time to that plus clean-up. This way is much better. You may have noticed that salt was not added to this soup. I was tempted to add it but I found that the flavour was great without it! Truly Ital!

 

 

I chose to serve this wonderful soup with some homemade bread. I toasted it and added butter while the bread was still hot. Pure bliss! I’ll be sharing the recipe for this very, very special bread soon.

 

 

Although the sour cream was optional, I enjoyed it so much with this soup!! It was perfect on its own, but the tangy flavour with the natural sweetness of the soup was a great combination. This soup is hubby approved! He loved it and also loved that it was Ital 🙂

 

 

The #SundaySupper team have some amazing soups to share with you. Please take your time and find inspiration from the recipe links below:

Chicken (or other poultry) Soups

• Chicken Tortelini & White Bean Soup at Flour On My Face
• Chicken Gnocchi at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Chicken Cheese Soup by There and Back Again
• Chicken Tortelini Soup by Country Girl In The Village
• Chicken Soup with Leeks, Onions and Fennel by Shockingly Delicious
• Family Style Tablescape featuring Chicken Tortilla Soup by An Appealing Plan
• Yucatan Chicken Lime Soup (Sopa de Lima) by The Weekend Gourmet
• Chicken Meatball, Spinach and Orzo Soup from BalSinfully Good Drizzles
• Ground Turkey Soup at The Messy Baker
• Cheesy Chipotle Chicken Sausage Chowder by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• Turkey Meatball Soup by Basic and Delicious
• Chick-Fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup by Family Foodie
• Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup at Cupcakes and Pearls

 

Beef Soups

• Chili with Black Beans by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Vegetable and Beef Soup by Supper For a Steal
• Swabian Beef Spaetzle +1 Soup (Gaisburger Marsch) at Galactosemia in PDX
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Beef Pho Soup by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Frijol con Carne by MarocMama
• Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup)  by Neighborfood

 

Pork (or Sausage) Soups

• Healthy Bean and Sausage Soup by Momma’s Meals
• Smoked Sauage and Wild Rice Soup at Mama, Mommy, Mom
• Louisiana Caldo by Catholic Foodie
• Sweet potato and spanish chorizo soup at My Cute Bride

 

Seafood Soups

• Shrimp Miso Noodle Soup at Pescetarian Journal
• Szechuan Fish Soup by The Urban Mrs.
• New England Clam Chowder at Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Hearty Okra Shrimp Gumbo Laced with Coconut Oil by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Bacon and Shrimp Bisque at Big Bear’s Wife
• Lobster Bisque for Two by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Chinese Fish Maw Soup by My Trials in The Kitchen
• Thai Curry Coconut Mussel Soup by Noshing With The Nolands

 

Vegetables Soups

• Not-So-Mini-Strone at The Army Foodie Wife
• French Onion Soup by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Spicy Sweet Potato and Corn Soup at Magnolia Days
• Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup at Daily Dish Recipes
• Rather French Onion Soup by What Smells So Good
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup by Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
• Cream of Ancho Chile Soup from La Cocina de Leslie
• Pasta e Fagoli Soup at Cravings of a Lunatic
• Miso Soup by Foodie Stuntman
• Soft Tofu Spu[ (Soondubu Jjiage) by Hip Foodie Mom
• Vegetable Consommé with Semolina Dumplings – Grießknödel at Masala Herb
• Vegetable Medley Soup with Broccoli and Leeks at Chattering Kitchen
• Yamato Soup at Cooking Underwriter
• Smoky Kale and Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Coconut Corn Chowder at Mangoes and Chutney
• Make Your Own (Gluten Free) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup at The Meltaways
• Ital Carrot & Sweet Potato Soup at The Lovely Pantry
• Chunky Vegetable and Barley Soup at Curious Cuisiniere
• Corn Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips at Ninja Baking
• Jalapeno Beer Cheese Soup by The Hand That Rocks The Ladle
• Wild Mushroom Soup at Food Lust People Love
• Tomato Basil Soup with Cous Cous at Ruffles and Truffles
• Creamy Carrot Soup at Cookistry
• Vermicelli Soup by Damn Delicious
• Country Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Potatoes at girlichef

 

Chilled Soups

• Chilled Strawberry Soup at Juanita’s Cocina
• Bread and Tomato Soup – Gazpacho Style at Vintage Kitchen Notes

 

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Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world.

Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.

Follow the #SundaySupper hash tag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite healthy recipes with us!

 

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Top 12 Recipes of 2012 – What a great year!

Dec 31, 2012 by lovelypantry

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, spent with family and friends. I took the week off to do my last-minute running around, making sorrel, baking cakes, doing some light housework, spent a day out of town… the family was quite busy. I even surprised myself when I realized that I had not physically been on the computer for 3 whole days. This type of scenario does not happen often. But it was all for a good cause, seeing as it was the most wonderful time of the year.

Well, it’s the end of 2012 and as I reflect, I know very well that I have much to be thankful for. I’m satisfied with my accomplishments in blogging and I’m ready for what 2013 has to offer. Bring it on! There’s so much more to be done! I feel like making some changes at The Lovely Pantry. I’m still tossing some ideas around in my head so I’m not 100% sure what I’ll be doing. Growth is a wonderful thing.

I don’t do resolutions anymore. If I really want to accomplish something, I will just do it. It’s just a matter of timing and priority. There are a few recipes that I plan to conquer in the new year. I’m creating a list of things I want to learn, both in and outside of the kitchen. As a life long learner, I don’t feel comfortable if I’m not growing in some way or the other. Looking at my posts throughout 2012, I see lots of growth. I see improvement in my photography and in the types of recipes that I’ve challenged myself with.

 

Lets take a look at what had people’s attention. Here are the top 12 posts for 2012 at The Lovely Pantry!

 

 

 

 

The top 3 posts:

Cristina Ferrare’s Fall Off The Bone Chicken Thighs

This is my most popular post to date!

 

Hoisin Salmon with Quinoa & Zucchini

Everyone seemed to enjoy my very easy freestyle salmon. It went nuts on Pinterest!

 

Whole Wheat French Toast

I guess it must be true when folks say “simple is best”. This post has always been popular, ever since it was published in February 2012.

 

The remaining posts are in no particular order.

 

Polenta, Parmesan, Mozzarella and Tomato

 

Roasted Pumpkin & Coconut Soup

 

Bavarian Apple Torte

 

Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding

 

Black Bean Soup With Hot Roast Pepper Sauce

 

Grilled Polenta Cakes

 

Jamaican Sorrel

 

 Banana Coconut Coffee Cake with Macadamia Nut Streusel

 

Jamaican Christmas Pudding

 

I want to say a very special thanks to the #SundaySupper family. It feels good to be a part of such an incredible group of people who share a common cause – to get families together to enjoy a home cooked meal on a Sunday. It could be on any day of the week, as long as it is possible. Sharing ideas for meals for your family is what I enjoy doing, and I spend a lot of time sharing on Twitter and Pinterest. Congratulations Isabel, for your amazing success! I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for #SundaySupper!

 I really love my little blog. I’m quite fond of the wonderful people and communities I’ve joined along this journey.

I want to thank each and every one of you who read/comment on my posts.It means so much to me.

To the friends that have made recipe suggestions and offered advice with regards to technique/instructions, I thank you!

For those that have suggested The Lovely Pantry to friends/family who are looking for meal ideas, have an interest in Jamaican cuisine, or who are just wanting to know how to use a certain ingredient… I appreciate you!

Consider joining me on Facebook and Twitter to keep up whats new on TLP, or just stop by to say hello.

 Have a blessed and wonderful New Year!

Happy 2013

~Lyn

 

 

 

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Black Bean Soup With Hot Roast Pepper Cream for #SundaySupper

Nov 4, 2012 by lovelypantry

It’s November and the boots and coats are officially necessary when going outdoors. The weather has been terrible and watching the news has been quite depressing. Hurricane Sandy did some serious damage in the Caribbean as well as the East Coast of The United States and parts of Eastern Canada. My heart goes out to all those affected. While I was making this soup, I thought about my friends/family in Jamaica who went several days without electricity – and some without water. Thankfully, everything is returning to some sort of normal, as life indeed has to go on.

I really like this weeks theme for #SundaySupper. There’s nothing better than a home-made soul warming meal on a wet, cold, gloomy day. I don’t know about you guys, but I feel better when I’m with my family eating a nice soup or stew with the family! I was so impressed with the line up this week,  I encourage you all to check out the wonderful dishes prepared by my fellow food bloggers. This weeks #SundaySupper is being hosted by Susan from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen.

My recipe today comes from a book I bought while I was in Jamaica last year called Caribbean Food Made Easy by Levi Roots. I didn’t have to make many changes at all. Most of the ingredients I already had on hand – whether in my fridge or in my pantry. I’m really thinking about having soup more often. My husband absolutely loved this soup and asked me to kindly note this soup as a definite favourite. Enough said! This soup made about 6-8 servings and I was able to freeze 3 servings for lunch this week.

I should note that I used Scotch Bonnet Pepper in this recipe. I have never been able to fully enjoy spicy food. Seriously. But somehow this soup hit the spot in the best way, because I enjoyed it immensely! I also did an extra step because I’m picky with my gravies and creams. I strained the pepper cream – which was a task because it is rather thick. This step is totally optional, but I do like the smooth creamy texture that resulted in me doing so.

 

 

 

Here are the soul warming recipes brought to you by the #SundaySupper team! Please share, pin, email, print, make and enjoy!

Main Entrees: 

• Carrot, Parsnip and Lentil Casserole – Happy Baking Days
• Chicken with Herbed Dumplings – Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Chicken pot pie – Gotta Get Baked
• Cholula Chicken Enchiladas – Kwistin’s Favorites
• Eggplant Parmesan – The Hand That Rocks The Ladle
• Roasted Roots and Fruits with Sausage – Shockingly Delicious

Chili/Stews:

• Beer-Braised Beef – Sustainable Dad
• Bigos {Authentic Polish Hunter’s Stew} – From Fast Food to Fresh Food
• Brunswick Stew and Rice – Big Bear’s Wife
• Calico Beans – Home Cooking Memories
• Carbonnade Flamande – The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Chicken Cacciatore {Hunter Style Stew} with Easy Creamy Polenta –Webicurean
• Chicken & Mushroom Stew On Egg Noodles – Galactosemia in PDX
• Cowboy Beef Stew – Comfy Cuisine
• Ham and String Beans – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Hearty Moose Meatball Stew – Mrs. Mama Hen
• Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Lentil and Chorizo Stew – Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Seafood Gumbo and Soul Warming #SundaySupper Wine Pairings – ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
• Soul Warming Hearty Beef Stew – In The Kitchen With KP

Soups:

• 30 Minute Black Bean Soup – Supper for a Steal
• Black Bean Soup – Basic and Delicious
• Black Bean Soup with Hot Roast Pepper Cream – The Lovely Pantry
• Canadian Beer Cheese Soup – Juanita’s Cocina
• Chicken Soup with Dumplings – The Messy Baker
• Chicken Tortilla Soup – Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Coconut Curry Chicken Soup – Damn Delicious
• Easy Chicken and Dumplings – My Catholic Kitchen
• Easy Italian Wedding Soup – Family Foodie
• Easy Wonton Soup – Soni’s Food
• French Onion Soup – Momma’s Meals
• Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings – I Run For Wine
• Lasagna Soup – Cravings of a Lunatic
• Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup – Mangiamo
• Lentil and Bacon Soup – Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Lentil Soup with Spinach – Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Peppery Mulligatawny Soup with Cherry Tomatoes & Cilantro – Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Pozolillo Verde {Green Chicken & Corn Pozole} – La Cocina de Leslie
• Red Lentil Soup with Crispy Aromatic Coriander – Chattering Kitchen
• Roasted Jalapeno Soup – Chocolate Moosey
• Rule of Thirds Soup – What Smells So Good?
• Seafood Chowder – Noshing with the Nolands
• Spanish Garlic Soup – Pippi’s In The Kitchen Again
• Spicy Gumbo Z’herbes – Pescetarian Journal
• Spicy Korean Brisket Soup {Yukgaejang} – Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup {Jjamppong} – Kimchi Mom
• Spicy Udon Noodle Soup – My Trials In The Kitchen
• Turkey Noodle Soup – Magnolia Days
• Tuscan Bean Soup – The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Twisted Chicken Noodle Soup – The Meltaways
• Warm You Up Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Daily Dish Recipes

Desserts/Beverages:

• Hot Fudge Pudding Cake – That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• White Hot Chocolate with Orange – GirliChef

Join on us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper.  In the evening we will meet at 7pm EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat.

All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat.

We’d also love to feature your Sunday Supper Soul Warming Recipes on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board and share them with all of our followers, too.

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Chicken, Corn & Edamame Chowder with Roasted Potato

Jan 16, 2012 by lovelypantry

I’ve made chowder once before and by all means it was okay. But when I came across a recipe by a fellow Food Blogger by the name of Nami of Just One Cookbook, I had to give it a try. The main difference between this recipe and the one I had done previously, was the use of Rotisserie Chicken and Roasted Potatoes. Those two by themselves sound like pure yum, and then I made a soup out of it.

Nami’s version called for a cup of Heavy Cream as the thickening agent for this recipe. To substitute, I was prepared to make a roux of some kind on the fly, but thankfully, Nami was able to tell me her quick trick (as listed in the recipe) in under 140 characters while I was preparing the chowder. Yay Nami! I omitted the bacon (I know, maybe next time) and added Edamame for a nice pop of colour and because I like the added fibre and protein 🙂

I can’t tell you how happy I was to make this chowder. I look forward to making it again. I will not omit the bacon, though ~ that’s a promise 🙂 Here is my amended recipe below.

This chowder was just lovely!

 

Have a wonderful week!

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