INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, scrubbed and diced

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoons tomato puree

1½ teaspoons smoked paprika (plus more to taste)

1 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon dried sage

1x 14 oz (400 g) tin tomatoes

2x 14 oz (400 g) tins butter beans, drained and rinsed

4 cups (1 litre) vegan stock

2 bay leaves

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)

3 oz (100 g) fresh spinach (approx. 3 cups)

Salt and pepper to taste

Small handful fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan on medium heat and add the onion and carrot. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then until the veg has started to soften

Once the veg starts to soften, add the chopped garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

After a couple of minutes, add the tomato puree, smoked paprika, thyme, and sage. Stir well and cook for another minute.

Next, add the tinned tomatoes, drained butter beans, vegan stock, bay leaves, and nutritional yeast. If using tinned whole tomatoes, break these apart with a spoon. Add a little water to the empty tomato can and swirl around before adding to the pan. Mix well, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook on a low heat for 6-8 minutes.

After 6-8 minutes, add the spinach. If using fresh parsley, you can chop some of the stems and add them to the pan. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spinach has wilted down.

Taste the soup and adjust the flavours if necessary. You may want to add a little more smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, salt, or pepper.

Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and blitz using a hand blender. Do this until you have the desired consistency. You could also transfer to a larger, more powerful blender, or simply mash using a potato masher for a chunkier texture.

Adjust the seasoning again and serve with chopped fresh parsley

Powerhouse Foods for Post Op Surgery Healing

Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, essential for skin repair and immune function, aiding in facial surgery recovery.

Lima beans are rich in protein and fiber, promoting tissue repair and aiding in digestion, essential for a smooth recovery process following facial surgery.

Nutritional yeast is a valuable food for post-surgery recovery due to its high protein content, providing essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair and healing. It’s also rich in B vitamins like B12, which support energy production and immune function during the recovery process. Furthermore, its versatility allows for easy incorporation into various dishes, aiding in meeting increased nutrient needs post-surgery.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports immune function and helps in collagen synthesis, essential for wound healing after surgery. They also have potassium which can help prevent dehydration and maintain proper nerve and muscle function during the recovery period. Also the dietary fiber will help promote bowel movements which can be stalled during this post recovery time.

Spinach is high in iron and vitamin K, supporting oxygen transport and blood clotting, respectively, crucial for optimal wound healing and recovery after facial surgery.