Menstrual Beet Soup Recipe
Soup recipe for menstrual phase.
Mid work day I needed to make lunch because I was bleeding and no work is getting done if I don't feed my period. Opened the fridge and it was giving nothing. Only prep was some chicken broth. Cabinets void of a nourishing snack. I know you know the vibe, the pits.
Delivery apps started singing their siren song, but alas I'm trying to learn how to budget right now. Also, there's no being humble about it, nobody cooks for my body's highest health and optimal pleasure like me.
So with the help of a well stocked pantry this little honey came to be.
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Food is medicine. Here’s how this recipe affects your menstrual cycle and overall health. I’m not a doctor, take what heals you and leave the rest.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a nutrient dense baddie that can traverse any of the menstrual phases. However, we especially appreciate beets in menstrual phase when immune response is lowered and nutrients are lost in the shedding endometrial tissue. The menstrual phase does not like to go too veggie heavy as digestion is more sensitive so the veggies we do eat during menstruation must pack a big punch.
This is also considered a blood giving food in Ayurveda which means it helps with circulation.
Beets also have the classic veg benefit of fiber. It’s not a sexy nutrient but it is an essential one that supports tender digestion and bloating in menstrual phase.
Beans
Beans will save the world. They’re loaded with benefits for the menstrual phase and as a crop they capture carbon and replenish the Earth’s soil with nitrogen. They keep us and Mother Earth thriving.
When your period comes around having beans at the ready is ideal. They’ve got magnesium to help ease cramp pain, regulate cortisol, and promote more restful sleep. They also keep blood sugar steady by being a slow burning complex carb. In addition, beans are a hearty food that meets the increased calorie needs of menstrual phase’s quick metabolism. This helps prevent hangry blood sugar dips. Beans also offer prebiotics for good gut health.
The thing that sets beans apart from the crowd is their fat soluble fiber. This type of fiber is extremely important for supporting successful liver detox. Hormones are metabolized through the liver. Happy liver = happy hormone health.
Chicken Broth
Broth is one of those foods that you can feel the benefits from the first sip. Warm and nourishing just what menstrual phase is looking for.
Chicken broth deeply hydrates and replenishes electrolytes lost through bleeding, helping with fatigue and headaches. Its easily absorbable minerals, like magnesium and calcium, can help soothe uterine muscle cramps. The amino acids and gelatin it provides support the body's need to rebuild protein after blood loss.
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Makes 4 bowls
Glug of extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chili
1 teaspoon sumac
1/2 red onion
1 can of beans
2 beets with greens
4 cups chicken/bone broth
Salt & pepper
Optional Toppings:
Yogurt
Toasted bread
Orange zest
Herbs
Chili oil
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Prep the soup veg. Thinly slice the onion. Grate the beets on the small hole side of a cheese grater. Cut the leaves off of the beet and keep to the side.
Cooking the soup. Place a pot on the stove and let it get warm. Then add oil. When the oil is warm add the spices to bloom for about 30 second.
Add onions to the pot with a pinch of salt and stir to cover with the spiced oil. Keep the heat low and cover the pot to cook down the onions without browning.
When your onion has softened and looks a bit shiny, add beans and grated beet. Mix everything. Pour the stock in and cover the pot again. Bring to a boil then turn the heat down and simmer for 15 minutes.
While this cooks prep your toppings: toast some bread, pick herbs, stir chili oil into yogurt, whatever you want to do.
When it is time to take the soup off of heat, add in the beet greens and stir. They'll wilt slightly.
Taste to adjust salt and pepper.
Portion into four bowls and play with your toppings.
Enjoy, experiment, heal!
