Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup

Mulligatawny Soup is an Indian curry soup usually made with chunks of chicken, beef or lamb.  I love the taste of curry, but was looking to make a healthier Indian inspired dish.  The result was a creamy, pureed vegetable soup with a rich curry flavor and a kick of spice at the end.  This dish is vegetarian, vegan, and will detoxify your system.  I am very fond of detox soups, after I discovered them a few years ago.  When I eat a bowl of detox soup, I feel as if I am doing something truly good for my body.  With all of the desserts and sugar I have been eating recently, my body could use a break.  Below, I have listed not only my recipe, but the health benefits of each ingredient in the soup:  enjoy!

Rich and comforting:  perfect to eat as the weather cools down

Ingredients:
1tbs avocado oil    [Rich in omega-3's, omega-6's, and vitamins A, D, E]
4 cloves garlic, minced    [antibiotic, cleanses blood, lowers LDL, antioxidant, lowers blood pressure]

1 inch fresh ginger, grated    [high in potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, vitB6, GI relief, anti-inflammatory, inhibits cancer cells, boosts immune system]
2tsp curry powder     [anti-inflammatory, prevents cancer, prevents Alzheimer's, improves memory]
1tsp turmeric     [prevents cancer, natural detoxifier, prevents Alzheimer's, anti-inflammatory, slows progression of MS, increases metabolism, antiseptic properties]
1/2tsp cayenne pepper     [lowers blood pressure, promotes digestion, anti-inflammatory]
2tsp gluten free red curry paste
1 red onion, diced     [high in polyphenols, flavinoids, chromium, vitamin C, fiber and maganese; antioxidant, lowers the risk of cancer]
6 carrots, peeled and sliced     [protects against cardiovascular disease, prevents oxidative damage, eye health, anti-cancer, high in beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, C, fiber, potassium]
1/2 head cauliflower, chopped     [high in vitamin C, K, folate, B6, natural detoxifier, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive support]
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced     [high in flavinoids, fiber, vitamin C, polyphenols, antioxidant, helps control blood sugar, anti-cancer, anti-asthma]
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced     [high in vitamins A, C, copper, manganese, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory]
1/2 head cabbage, shredded     [lowers cholesterol, high in vitamin K, C, fiber, maganese, prevents cancer due to its high antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties and levels of glucosinolates, offers digestive and cardiovascular support]
1 quart gluten free vegetable broth/stock
2c tomato juice     [high in vitamins C, A, and all the B vitamins; helps prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease]
1 14oz can coconut milk     [high in vitamins A, E, iron, fiber and electrolytes, boosts immune system, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure]
Juice from 1 lime     [high in vitamin C, flavinoids, natural detoxifiers, and helps with urinary and digestive disorders]
Cilantro, for garnish

Directions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a slow cooker except the coconut milk and lime.  Cover and cook on high until vegetables are very tender, about 5 hours.
2. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until pureed and smooth (this is easier on your digestive system than leaving the vegetables whole).  Alternatively, you can use a blender, but be careful:  blending hot liquids can build up steam and blow the top of the blender off so do it slowly and give it plenty of time to vent.
3.  Add the coconut milk and lime and blend again if needed.  Heat until hot (don't boil).  Serve with cilantro, if using.