Harvest Elixir Nourishing Soups for Childrens Spleen and Stomach Health in Autumn

As the leaves begin to turn and the air turns crisp, the arrival of autumn brings with it a season of change. It's a time when children's bodies can be particularly sensitive to the cooler temperatures and shifting weather patterns. One of the most effective ways to support a child's health during this time is by focusing on their spleen and stomach, which play a crucial role in digestion and overall well-being. Here, we present a collection of autumnal soups that are not only delicious but also specifically tailored to nurture and strengthen the spleen and stomach in children.

1. Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup

Ingredients:

- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 4 cups of vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated

- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- Optional: 1/2 cup of coconut milk

Preparation:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent.

2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the diced sweet potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring to coat with the onion and garlic mixture.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot until smooth. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. If you like it creamy, stir in the coconut milk before serving.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

This soup is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are essential for healthy immune function. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of dietary fiber, which helps to support digestion.

2. Chicken and Quinoa Soup

Ingredients:

- 1 whole organic chicken, bones and skin included

- 4 cups of water or chicken broth

- 1 cup of quinoa

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 carrots, peeled and diced

- 2 stalks of celery, diced

- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

Preparation:

1. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

2. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables and add them to the pot along with the quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. After the chicken has simmered for 20 minutes, remove it from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it. Return the meat to the pot.

4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir to combine.

5. If using apple cider vinegar, add it now. This can help to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

6. Continue to simmer the soup until the quinoa is cooked and all the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes more.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.

Chicken and quinoa are both easy to digest and provide a good balance of protein and fiber, which are important for maintaining a healthy gut.

3. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Ingredients:

- 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced

- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 4 cups of vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, chopped

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: 1/2 cup of heavy cream

Preparation:

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until translucent.

2. Add the diced butternut squash and apples to the pot, stirring to coat with the onion and garlic mixture.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover the pot. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot until smooth. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. If you like it creamy