Blended Salad (Energy Soup)

[DebB]

I was hesitant to try this recipe, "Blended Salad". Paul Nison explains it's like a green smoothie with no fruit. I thought, "Hmmm - doesn't sound very appetizing" and I was wrong. I make this several times a week. What makes this soup for me was when I started adding the fresh cilantro and dried cumin - so good!

Here is my version of Paul's recipe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oaJS_Ac-Ko). I love this soup..

Paul's Blended Salad

1-2T lemon juice (can use orange or lime)
5-6 Campari tomatoes
1 regular sized cucumber
3 stalks celery
1 bunch greens (spinach, spring greens, etc.)
sunflower greens (optional)
fresh cilantro
1/2 avocado
salt
cumin

I put all the above ingredients in the blender, leaving the avocado out until the last. I don't blend it from the beginning.

I dice up 1 sweet pepper (can add some of this into the blender) and put this in my soup bowl giving the soup some crunch. Sometimes I add some finely diced celery and add that to the soup bowl too.

This makes a BIG bowl and I have no problem eating it all. Really - give this a try. It's a great way to get in your sunflower greens if you grow your own, but the s.f. greens are totally optional - not needed in the recipe. I may demonstrate this at our April's Raw Food Meetup.

If you make rejuvelac - add a splash in the soup too. It gives a tart flavor like the lemon juice does. *Ü*

[Stina]

Hi Sweetheart,

Could you please tell me about growing the sunflower greens? I'm currently making my first attempt at growing broccoli as a mini green.

[siennagray]

Sounds really yummy. I am trying to seek out more veg. based smoothie/soups and juices. Are sunflower greens the same as sprouted sunflower seeds?

[DebB]

Hi Sweetheart,

Could you please tell me about growing the sunflower greens? I'm currently making my first attempt at growing broccoli as a mini green.

Hi Stina ~ I *love* growing sunflower greens. First I soak 1/2 cup (organic) sunflower seeds (black oil - solid black shell, not striped) overnight in filtered water. Then I sprout them for 1-2 days, until they have a nice little tail visible.

Next I plant them in about 1" of dirt in an 8x8 tray (I order my trays through Hippocrates Health Institute and I'm very happy with them). I put in 1" (or so) of dirt and evenly sprinkle the seeds on top of the dirt - I don't cover the seeds with dirt. I give the tray a very gentle watering and let it drip for 15-30 minutes in the sink.

Now I set another planting tray on top, right side up. I weight the top tray down with 4 deli-style containers of water. This forces the sunflowers to set deep roots. They're very hearty and want to grow UP, but for now, we want their roots to grow down.

I take them to the sink once per day and gently water them, placing the tray back on top when they're done dripping. After 3 days, I remove the tray and let them grow.

When they grow their second set of double leaves, they're ready to eat. I only cut what I'll be using that day (unlike wheatgrass where I harvest the entire tray at once - learned that from the Hippocrates Health Institute's DVD).

That's all there is to it. I'm happy to answer any questions.

[DebB]

Sounds really yummy. I am trying to seek out more veg. based smoothie/soups and juices. Are sunflower greens the same as sprouted sunflower seeds?

Hi siennagray ~ Great question! No, sunflower greens are not the same as sprouted sunflower seeds.

The sprouted seeds have no shell (http://healthfoodlover.com/hfl/2009/10/how-to-sprout-sunflower-seeds/)and they're soaked, then sprouted for 1-2 days and then if you like to have them on hand for future recipes, you can go ahead and dehydrate them.

Sunflower greens are sunflower seeds with the shell -- soaked, sprouted and then planted in dirt. See pictures in the above post. *Ü*

[Stina]

Hi Deb,

Very curious why wheat grass would be cut all at once? Thanks

[dime]

Blended salad, this is exactly what I use my blender for! :) Except I don't put salt and cumin.
I've tried adding fruit to this, but no way, it just spoils it.

[DebB]

Blended salad, this is exactly what I use my blender for! :) Except I don't put salt and cumin.
I've tried adding fruit to this, but no way, it just spoils it.

I don't put in much salt ~ maybe less than 1/4 teaspoon. I love tasting the cumin and the cilantro, that's my favorite part. *Ü*

[DebB]

Hi Deb,

Very curious why wheat grass would be cut all at once? Thanks

Our library has the DVD from Hippocrates Health Institute, made by their lead nursery man and he explained why it's best to cut the whole tray of wheat grass all at once. He also recommended green bags (like Debbie Meyer's bags) since that will about double the time they'll last in the fridge.

Anyway - he explained what happens to the wheat once it goes past the stage of when it should be cut -- but I don't remember the details, sorry. I just remember to cut it all at once as he said that was optimal. If I watch the DVD again, I'll try to remember to post back the reasoning.

He also explained what happens when you make it all into juice and then freeze the juice (that's what I used to do) and why that's not a good idea at all... I don't remember all the "whys" though. *Ü*

[GreenT]

Those greens look great Deb. Im growing mine for the first time as we speak. They are just starting to pop up out of the dirt, looking forward to trying them in my wraps :dance:

I am a subscriber of Paul's videos, a lot of good information that he has! I saw his video when he posted it of the salad soup, it didn't sound good lol. Since then i have ran across other people having videos of this same concept and they love it.....I will have to try it. I have experienced many times where a recipe didn't sound good and it was actually very delicious.

[DebB]

Those greens look great Deb. Im growing mine for the first time as we speak. They are just starting to pop up out of the dirt, looking forward to trying them in my wraps :dance:

I am a subscriber of Paul's videos, a lot of good information that he has! I saw his video when he posted it of the salad soup, it didn't sound good lol. Since then i have ran across other people having videos of this same concept and they love it.....I will have to try it. I have experienced many times where a recipe didn't sound good and it was actually very delicious.

Hi GreenT ~ How exciting that you're growing your first tray of sunflower greens! I love them and I was so happy to (finally) find a soup to use them in.

I've tried other (Ann Wigmore style Energy Soup) recipes, but I didn't care for them, so I didn't hold out much hope for Paul's recipe. But I'm so glad I tried it. Another great way to get in more greens without using fruit to cover their flavor like I was doing in green smoothies.

Another favorite recipe of mine is Paul's Spanish Rice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVTgdMKDY5g)- have you tried that one? Wow, it's good. But then I love most recipes with cumin and cilantro in there! *Ü*

[Stina]

Thanks again Deb B. you're a gem here!

I'm going to hunt down that dvd. My library is happy to do interlibrary loan.

Are you getting your sunflower seeds with the hulls on from Azure? There's a local buyers club I can order from azure with.

[Eva]

Oh, looooove these! They are really not so scary at all! AND totally hit the spot when you know you "need" a green smoothie but you "want" something savory. DONE and DONE!

Thanks for sharing!!!
:heart

[GreenT]

Another favorite recipe of mine is Paul's Spanish Rice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVTgdMKDY5g)- have you tried that one? Wow, it's good. But then I love most recipes with cumin and cilantro in there! *Ü*

Oh yes that one is delicious!! You posted that one back a few months ago for me.... I LOVED IT :heart Cumin and cilantro, same here...YUM!!

[DebB]

Oh, looooove these! They are really not so scary at all! AND totally hit the spot when you know you "need" a green smoothie but you "want" something savory. DONE and DONE!

Thanks for sharing!!!
:heart

Hi Eva ~ This was the first time I had a savory smoothie - which is why I just didn't know what to think of it.... Love them though! Sometimes it's nice to have a break from the sweet (never thought I'd say that).

[DebB]

Oh yes that one is delicious!! You posted that one back a few months ago for me.... I LOVED IT :heart Cumin and cilantro, same year...YUM!!

Hi GreenT ~ *Well* if you like Paul's Spanish Rice - then I know you'll love this recipe! From Brad's Raw Chips site, "Making Salad For Lunch (http://www.bradsrawchips.com/pages/brads-diet)". Now, I made the salad dressing too, but I didn't care for it. Now I just make the salad itself and eat it - it doesn't need a dressing. It's like Paul's recipe minus the cauliflower. And so pretty and colorful (and gooood!). I do the avocado and lemon last and use that as "dressing". *Ü*

[DebB]

Thanks again Deb B. you're a gem here!

I'm going to hunt down that dvd. My library is happy to do interlibrary loan.

Are you getting your sunflower seeds with the hulls on from Azure? There's a local buyers club I can order from azure with.

Hi Stina ~ I know there's a way to do multiple quotes in one post, but I can never remember how to do it (sigh!).

I don't know if this link will work - but here's a link (http://catalog.mcl-lib.org/Polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.3&type=Default&term=hippocrates%20health%20institute&by=KW&sort=RELEVANCE&limit=TOM=*&query=&page=0)to the HHI DVD at my library. Incase it doesn't work, the title is, "Growing wheatgrass, sunflower, pea greens & buckwheat lettuce". I recommend this DVD if anyone's interested in growing these items. It was packed full of all the information (and lets you know about the misinformation) you need to successfully grow these things.

I don't order my sunflower seeds (with hulls) through Azure. I wish they had them, but they don't. I *do* order the hulled organic sunflower seeds through them though.

My last order was placed through Sproutpeople (http://sproutpeople.org/sunflowergreens.html). They're a really good company to do business with. I ordered 5#. I use 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds per 8x8" tray (get the trays through HHI too - can't go wrong with them is my opinion).

Have you ordered through Azure? I love them and don't know what I'd do without them! I'm thankful for the items I *can* get locally, but Azure sure makes a difference because we don't have that much available locally... *Ü*

[siennagray]

DebB thanks so much for all the helpful information. Hopefully I can try this soon.

[Lady Green Jeans]

DebB

How big are Campari tomatoes? Do you add any water to this?

[DebB]

DebB thanks so much for all the helpful information. Hopefully I can try this soon.

You are so welcome siennagray ~ I hope you enjoy it!



DebB

How big are Campari tomatoes? Do you add any water to this?

The Campari tomatoes I buy at Costco are about the size of golf balls. Typically I don't need to add water - but I have been adding a splash of rejuvelac just because I've got it on hand. My soup comes out pretty thick, so one could certainly add some water if you might like it thinner. *Ü*

[Stina]

Hi Deb

Would you share with me what you get from Azure? I'm trying to get signed up with them but having some technical difficulties.

Thanks

[DebB]

Hi Deb

Would you share with me what you get from Azure? I'm trying to get signed up with them but having some technical difficulties.

Thanks

They've been revamping their site and making changes - you might like to give them a call. That way you can find out what route you'd be on and get the name(s) of your drop point which may be someone's private home...

I'll log into my account and simply cut and paste some of my last orders - I hope that'll work for you! I *love* Azure and would be lost without it. We don't have stores nearby like WF or TJs or such - although I'm grateful for what we do have (Fred Meyer, Yoke's, little health food store).

I also order our flax seeds through them in 25# bags.

Here's my order I picked up last week. Not everything came in though - this happens a lot unfortunately. They said they're working on getting the ordering in real time, so if we add something to our cart, we'll be able to see right then if it's in or out of stock.

HB275 Un-Petroleum Lip Balm, Tangerine Sunscreen SPF-18 1 tube 1 1 $2.15 $2.15
OL164 Earth Circle Organics Coconut Oil, Raw, Cold Pressed, Organic 32 ozs. 1 1 $15.45 $15.45
SW061 Wholesome Sweeteners Sucanat, Organic, Fair Trade 2 lbs. 2 2 $5.30 $10.60
CO033 Eden Foods Eden Nori (Not Toasted) 6 x .8 ozs. 1 1 $37.30 $37.30
QP162 Fresh Produce Ginger, Organic 1 lb. approx. 1 1 $5.95 $5.95
GR008 Bulk Buckwheat, Hulled, Organic 5 lbs. 1 0 $10.20 $0.00
DF020 Bulk Medjool Dates, Organic 5 lbs. 2 2 $32.00 $64.00
BE025 Azure Farm Lentils, Organic 5 lbs. 1 0 $8.85 $0.00
BP046 Bulk Madagascar Vanilla 2x, Organic 4 ozs. 1 1 $4.40 $4.40
NU017 Bulk Cashews, Raw, Large White Pieces, Organic 5 lbs. 1 0 $28.50 $0.00
HS149 Oregon Spice Cinnamon, Ceylon, Powder , Organic 4 ozs. 1 0 $4.45 $0.00
HS180 Oregon Spice Cinnamon, Ceylon 3" Sticks 4 ozs. 1 0 $4.45 $0.00
HB377 Bubble & Bee Organics Lip Balm, Orange, Organic 1 tube 2 2 $2.40 $4.80
HB243 Kettle Care Cherry Almond Lip Balm 1 tube 2 2 $2.35 $4.70
NS908 Sunwarrior Protein Powder, Vanilla, Raw, Vegan 2.2 lbs. 1 1 $34.20 $34.20
Total: $183
------------------
February's order:

CO129 Bulk Vinegar, Raw Apple Cider, Organic 1 gallon 1 1 $8.80 $8.80
HB902 Bee Rescued Propolis Care Bee Rescued Honey & Propolis Hand & Body Lotion 2.5 ozs. 1 1 $7.50 $7.50
HB903 Bee Rescued Propolis Care Bee Rescued Propolis Moisturizing Cream 1 oz. 1 1 $6.40 $6.40
HS329 Oregon Spice Psyllium Husk, Powder 1 lb. 1 1 $7.50 $7.50
NS908 Sunwarrior Protein Powder, Vanilla, Raw, Vegan 2.2 lbs. 1 0 $34.20 $0.00
QP162 Fresh Produce Ginger, Organic 1 lb. approx. 1 1 $5.95 $5.95
NF547 Maid Naturally Soft Cleansing Scrub, Lemon & Bergamont 22 ozs. 1 1 $5.80 $5.80
BE025 Azure Farm Lentils, Organic 5 lbs. 1 1 $8.30 $8.30
CO192 Maine Coast Sea Seasonings - Dulse Shaker, Organic 1.5 ozs. 2 2 $2.20 $4.40
SW209 Sweet Leaf SweetLeaf Natural Sweetener 35 pks. 3 3 $3.15 $9.45
HS032 Oregon Spice Celery Seeds, Whole 1 lb. 1 1 $2.80 $2.80
QP324 Fresh Produce Fresh Garlic, Organic 1 lb. 1 1 $5.70 $5.70
NU057 Bulk Walnuts, Raw, Organic 5 lbs. 1 1 $32.50 $32.50
Total: $105.10

------------------
And January's order:

DF006 Bulk Apricots, Unsulfured, Organic (Refrigerate) 5 lbs. 1 1 $29.50 $29.50
SE072 Bulk Pumpkin Seeds, Organic 5 lbs. 1 1 $24.00 $24.00
BP035 Bulk Coconut, Chipped 2.5 lbs. 1 1 $4.70 $4.70
GR058 Azure Farm Rye Berries, Organic 5 lbs. 1 1 $3.65 $3.65
SE005 Bulk Alfalfa Seeds, Organic 2 lbs. 1 1 $12.45 $12.45
QP162 Fresh Produce Ginger, Organic 1 lb. approx. 2 2 $5.95 $11.90
GY464 Mediterranean Organics Stuffed Green Olives with Peppers, Organic 9 ozs. 1 1 $4.85 $4.85
SW131 Sweet Leaf Stevia Clear Liquid, Vanilla Creme 2 ozs. 2 2 $9.55 $19.10
HS562 Oregon Spice Tomato Powder, Dehydrated 4 ozs. 1 1 $3.00 $3.00
DF145 Meduri Farms Cranberries, Dried, Fruit Sweetened 8 oz. 1 1 $4.10 $4.10
SW148 Coconut Secret Coconut Nectar, Raw, Organic 12 ozs. 1 1 $7.05 $7.05
CO109 San-J Tamari, Low Sodium, Wheat Free, Platinum, Organic 20 ozs. 1 0 $6.25 $0.00
NU068 Bulk Pistachios, Raw Halves 5 lbs. 1 1 $55.60 $55.60
NS004 Bulk Bee Pollen 1 lb. 1 1 $17.30 $17.30
DF086 Bulk Prunes, Pitted, Organic 1 lb. 1 1 $6.75 $6.75
DF030 Bulk Figs, Black Mission - Organic 1 lb. 1 1 $6.10 $6.10
NB124 Once Again Nut Butter, Inc. Peanut Butter, Crunchy Salted, Organic 16 ozs 1 1 $4.35 $4.35
NB132 Once Again Nut Butter, Inc. Sunflower Butter, Organic 16 ozs. 1 1 $5.15 $5.15
CO119 Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos, Raw, Organic 8 ozs. 1 1 $5.25 $5.25
NF081 Biokleen Automatic Dish Soap, Powder 2 lbs. 1 1 $5.65 $5.65

[GreenT]

Hi GreenT ~ *Well* if you like Paul's Spanish Rice - then I know you'll love this recipe! From Brad's Raw Chips site, "Making Salad For Lunch (http://www.bradsrawchips.com/pages/brads-diet)". Now, I made the salad dressing too, but I didn't care for it. Now I just make the salad itself and eat it - it doesn't need a dressing. It's like Paul's recipe minus the cauliflower. And so pretty and colorful (and gooood!). I do the avocado and lemon last and use that as "dressing". *Ü*


Thanks Deb! Will have to try that.....

[DebB]

Thanks Deb! Will have to try that.....

You're welcome GreenT - it's time for me to make this salad again! *Ü*

[Stina]

Hi DebB, that was fun to read. What do you do about almonds?

[DebB]

Hi DebB, that was fun to read. What do you do about almonds?

I order oranic raw almonds from Azure as well. They say they're "raw", however they do a fast flash pasteurization on them, saying that they will still sprout. That's good enough for me. We order most of our nuts and seeds from Azure. I buy (non-organic) walnuts from Costco, but we're looking at the organic walnuts at Azure when ours need replenishing.

The 3 month's worth of orders above is not all inclusive - we order many other things as well over the course of time. *Ü*

[Stina]

Well, since I'm picking your brain......! How many people are you providing for? Just curious cause of all the nuts. I love nuts too, in moderation,they are a very important part of my raw diet.

[Stina]

Well, since I'm picking your brain......! How many people are you providing for? Just curious cause of all the nuts. I love nuts too, in moderation,they are a very important part of my raw diet.

Oh my God I did not select the grumpy face. The cursor on my little computer phone is jumping around and I can't get rid of it.

[DebB]

Well, since I'm picking your brain......! How many people are you providing for? Just curious cause of all the nuts. I love nuts too, in moderation,they are a very important part of my raw diet.

I like to keep a bag of several kinds of nuts on hand (almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts & pistachios) and some macadamias. It's just my husband and I at home now - but I do make items the whole family eats when we all get together :)

I order the nuts in 5# bags because that's the cheaper way to go and I keep them all in the freezer. I also keep some of each kind soaked & dehydrated - ready to use in recipes whenever they're called for. Believe it or not, I don't eat nuts that often. But I do not like to run out, or be out of something if there's a recipe I want to make - so I keep a pretty well stocked pantry.

But - I did just make a first batch of fermented cashew cheese (fermented with rejuvelac) and my husband and I are crazy about it! So... *Ü*

[Stina]

That sounds like the recipe from Alissa's new book, huh?

[DebB]

That sounds like the recipe from Alissa's new book, huh?

The one I'm making is actually from a lady at our Raw Food Meetup. She made rejuvelac and then brought some of it and the cheese last month. It was the first time I'd tasted rejuvelac - and it didn't taste anything like a lot of people said - sweaty gym socks! So this has given me the 'courage' to try other cheeses in the future. (so many recipes - so little time!) *Ü*