As the colder weather begins to set in, The Bristal is excited to announce the release of our Winter 2024 menu, including seven soup recipes inspired by the Blue Zones.
"Blue Zones" are places in the world where people experience exceptional longevity, often reaching age 100 or beyond, outpacing their non-Blue Zone counterparts. There are five Blue Zones in the world: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Loma Linda (California, U.S.).
Inspired by the dietary habits of the world's longest-living populations, our Blue Zone Winter Soups are rich in nutrient-dense, plant-based ingredients, which have been shown to promote overall health and longevity. Many of the soups are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Fiber supports digestive health, regulates blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness which can aid in weight management. These nutrients derive from vegetables, legumes, and other whole foods. In particular, legumes like beans and lentils are excellent sources of plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber. They provide sustained energy and heart-healthy benefits.
According to Alaina Hoschke, Registered Dietitian for The Bristal Assisted Living, incorporating these hearty and flavorful recipes into your diet can help reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and support a balanced, nutrient-rich lifestyle.
Read on to learn more about each of the seven blue zone soups featured on the Winter 2024 Menu at The Bristal.
Winter Bean and Vegetable Soup
Packed with hearty ingredients like cannellini beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and kale, this soup is a warming option for cold days. It's rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, promoting gut health and immune support during the winter season.
Sardinia Minestrone
This Italian standard, inspired by the Blue Zone region, includes fava beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, fennel and fresh herbs, in a thin, highly flavorful broth. It's eaten nearly every day for lunch by many families in Sardinia, using the freshest seasonal vegetables from the garden.
Black Bean Soup
This creamy, protein-rich soup is made with black beans, red bell peppers, onions, and seasoned with cumin and oregano. Black beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which are known to help stabilize blood sugar and support digestive health.
Three-Bean Vegetable Soup
The combination of kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans, mixed with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, makes for a delicious one-pot stew-like soup that offers a variety of flavors and textures. The legumes provide nutritious and filling protein, as well as minerals like iron and potassium for sustained energy to keep you satisfied all day long.
Smoky Lentil Soup
This simple soup is packed with nutrients and full of comforting, smoky flavors. Featuring lentils, button mushrooms, celery, carrots, onion and kale, seasoned with smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne, and cumin, this earthy option is sure to please. The lentils are high in fiber and folate, made more easily digested by compliment of fire-roasted tomatoes. Vitamin A-rich kale and carrots also star in this heart-healthy dish.
Kale and Vegetable Soup
Inspired by the Californian Loma Linda Blue Zone, this kale and vegetable soup is packed with kale, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic. It's a delicate broth which is simmered for over an hour to produce a tasty base, which is then seasoned with fresh parsley and lemon. Kale is rich in calcium, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants, which promote bone health and reduce inflammation.
Potato Leek Soup
Made from potatoes, leeks, garlic, and live oil, this creamy and comforting soup is both simple and flavorful. Potatoes offer potassium and Vitamin C, while leeks are high in antioxidants that support the immune system. It's a perfect, warming recipe for a winter's day.
Our Commitment to Nutrition
Our Blue Zone-inspired Winter Soup offerings bring together the flavors and health benefits of global longevity hotspots. Crafted to support our residents during the colder months, these soups feature nutrient-rich ingredients, including seasonal vegetables, hearty legumes, and fresh herbs. Each recipe is designed to align with Blue Zone principles, emphasizing whole foods and plant-based nutrition to provide lasting nourishment.
At The Bristal, we believe food plays a vital role in overall health. Our chefs enjoy experimenting with delicious, exciting recipes, and are always inspired by the change of seasons to keep our menu fresh. Join us and savor the flavors of wholesome, longevity-inspired diets for Winter 2024.
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