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Are You a Cooking Nut? Health Nut? You’ll Love Your Coconut.

February 16, 2015 By Lena

It’s been called one of nature’s true superfoods. A health food that provides a great flavour option to many new cuisine recipes and old favourites. A healthy product that adds zest to the flavours of everyday life.

It’s the coconut, of course.

Growing up in a South Asian family, I have a longstanding relationship with this delicious fruit. From coconut milk in curries to flaked coconut in desserts, it is a dietary staple and offers a supporting role  in almost all of our meals. In fact, one of my fondest memories is watching my dad grind fresh coconut flesh, which my mom would freeze and later drop into soups and stews.

Today, I’m proud to continue our traditions with more options than ever before. Our planet’s “most nutritious food” is now in a wide range of products for everyday use: New Grace Organic All Natural Coconut Products are processed to the highest organic and natural standards, and conveniently packaged for use in your kitchen.

So, what can you do with Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Coconut Milk, Organic Coconut Sugar, All Natural Coconut Chips and Organic Coconut Vinegar? You can make Tomato Coconut Soup – a flavourful, comforting soup bursting with aromatic spices and seasonings.
DSC_0368aThis soup is perfect for cold winter nights when you want to snuggle up to comfort food. The classic tomato soup has been reinvented with the addition of coconut milk and pungent spices popular in Jamaican cookery – ground coriander, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon and smoked paprika. 

2 tbsp Grace Organic Coconut Oil, melted
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp chopped ginger
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 can (796 mL) diced tomatoes
2 cups no salt added chicken broth
1 can (400 mL) Grace Organic Coconut Milk
2 cups chickpeas
2 tbsp Grace Organic Coconut Sugar
2 tsp Grace Organic Coconut Vinegar
1/4 cup Grace Coconut Chips
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1. Melt Grace Organic Coconut Oil in a Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until softened.

2. Stir in paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook for 1 minute.

3. Add tomatoes, broth, Grace Organic Coconut Milk and chickpeas; bring to a boil.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes or until fragrant. Cool slightly.

5. Purée in batches, until very smooth. Stir in Grace Organic Coconut Sugar and Grace Organic Coconut Vinegar. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with Grace Coconut Chips and cilantro.
DSC_0365aIn addition to the flavour (sensational) and the simplicity of the recipe (super easy), I am loving the nutritional wins:

Grace Organic Coconut Oil: When newer research discovered the differences between saturated fat found in coconut oil and other saturated fats, coconut oil was endorsed by leading medical and health experts as a food that can help protect us from heart disease.

Grace Coconut Milk: A sweet, milky white cooking base, coconut milk is dairy free and can be used as a milk substitute by vegans or those with lactose intolerance.

Grace Coconut Sugar: A low calorie sweetener that contains inulin, which slows the rate of absorption into the bloodstream and gives coconut sugar a lower Glycemic Index than table sugar, thereby limiting glucose fluctuations and “blood sugar spikes” often associated with other sugars.

Grace Organic Coconut Vinegar: Created by the fermentation of 100% pure Coconut Water, it is 100% natural and does not contain harmful substances that commercial vinegars may contain.

Grace Coconut Chips: The super food is high in lauric acid, low in sugar and contains no cholesterol.

This year, I’ve made it my priority to include wholesome, natural foods into my diet. Combined with the nutritional benefits of coconut products such as fibre, protein and the ability to fight infections, I feel confident that the addition of New Grace Organic All Natural Coconut Products is a step in the right direction.

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #loveyourcoconut, Grace Foods, healthy living

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Terri Baker

    February 16, 2015 at 11:13 am

    It looks and sounds delicious! A must try

    • Lena

      February 16, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      Please try! You’ll love it Terry!

  2. Judy Cowan

    February 16, 2015 at 11:51 am

    Sounds like a yummy soup. We have been using coconut products more in our diet lately!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      That’s wonderful Judy!

  3. Cheryl

    February 16, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    Mmmm sounds tasty! Will have yo try

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      Please do!

  4. Stephanie LaPlante

    February 16, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    I love coconut! This soup sounds like an extremely delicious combination!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Oh it is so good Stephanie!

  5. Athena

    February 16, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    This looks so delicious!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Thanks Athena!

  6. Tricha F.

    February 16, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    I grew up in Jamaia and we are used to using coconut in a lot of dishes especially in rice and beans. I have even experienced my grandmother making coconut oil. I have never been a fan of tomato soup but with coconut milk and all the spices you mentioned added to it, I just might change my mind.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Tricha, I need a good recipe for rice and beans. I’ll be messaging you!

  7. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    February 16, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    I do love to cook, but I avoid coconut like the plague. I dont even like the smell of it.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      Oh no! Sorry to hear that!

  8. Yuen C

    February 16, 2015 at 11:11 pm

    Looks so good, yum!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      Thanks Yuen!

  9. Alayne Langford

    February 16, 2015 at 11:12 pm

    Lena, the New Grace Organic Coconut Flour is also gluten free! This excites me because I am constantly looking for “healthy” organic AND gluten free substitutions for baking. I believe they are available at Food Basics too! :) Thanks for your post :)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      So good to know! Thanks for chiming in!

  10. nicolthepickle

    February 17, 2015 at 6:18 am

    This looks delicious. I’m new to using coconut anything, but my brother made me an amazing hot chocolate with coconut oil in it and now I’ve been trying it in more things.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Oh that does sound delish!

  11. loriag

    February 17, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Looks amazing. We use coconut oil in our house.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Great to hear!

  12. Natalie

    February 17, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    This sounds delicious!! I love my soups – I’ll have to try!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Please do Natalie!

  13. Lynda Cook

    February 17, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    Oh wow talk about flavour punch, there is a ton of spices in this soup,I’m sure it tastes amazing!!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      It’s so savoury and delish, hope you try it!

  14. La Cuisine d'Helene

    February 18, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Yes I love to cook and never tried these products before. I will have to look in the stores for them. I can smell this soup from here, we love soups when it’s that cold outside. Have a great day!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      I WISH you could smell this for real! It’s so yummy!

  15. Treen Goodwin

    February 18, 2015 at 9:47 am

    Oh looks so yummy , i love soup , i wanna try it out thanks for sharing :)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      Welcome Treen!

  16. Darlene Schuller

    February 18, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    I’m not a cooking or health nut, but this does sound and look so tasty! Thanks Lena

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      Thanks Darlene!

  17. Florence c

    February 18, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    I am a soup lover. Comfort food especially this time of year. I use coconut for cooking occasionally.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      I hope you try this, Florence!

  18. Kathy Fowler

    February 18, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    I love coconut and this soup looks wonderful

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      Thanks Kathy!

  19. Brenda Lacourciere

    February 19, 2015 at 6:11 am

    I love coconut thai soup. I will try this recipe

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      Me too Brenda – it’s one of my faves!

  20. Nicky

    February 19, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    this soup looks so yummy! i love anything with coconut!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      Me too Nicky – enjoy!

  21. Elaine Buonsante

    February 21, 2015 at 3:12 am

    We discovered the wonderful flavour of coconut when we visited Hawaii last year and we now use it in different forms whenever we can. Love your soup recipe.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      So awesome to hear that Elaine. Yum!

  22. Charlene A.

    February 21, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    I’ve only tried cooking with coconut oil so far, but will look into the other products too. That soup looks delish!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      Thanks Charlene!

  23. kathy downey

    February 21, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    We have been using coconut these past few years for just about everything from frying/baking hand cream also adding to my bath water..thanks will try this recipe

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      Please do Kathy, and let me know what you think!

  24. Alexa Nernberg

    February 22, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    I’m fond of coconut, but have only used it in baking. The tomato soup sounds really good and I hope to make it in the near future. Thanks for sharing.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      You’re welcome Alexa!

  25. kristen visser

    February 22, 2015 at 1:53 pm

    I have never tried or made anything like this before! it looks absolutely delicious and I love that coconut is added:)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      Oh, then you simply MUST try it! You’ll love it!

  26. Rick F

    February 22, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    I love coconut, especially my homemade coconut cream pie!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      Gah I bet that’s amazing Rick!

  27. Cheryl

    February 23, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    I’ve never really tried coconut beyond the shredded stuff but it seems to be more and more popular! Sounds very interesting

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      It is Cheryl!

  28. Donna Wilson

    February 23, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    This sounds delicious!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      Hope you try it, Donna!

  29. mongupp

    February 23, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    Coconut is one of my faves. It always reminds me of sunny days and the beach.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      Couldn’t have said it better :)

  30. Tricia Cooper

    February 23, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    Thanx for explaining about the different coconut products — I look at them in the store and didn’t know how to use some of them and now I do!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      Welcome Tricia! Happy to be of help!

  31. Tooth Fairy

    February 23, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    I need to start using coconut oil for baking muffins I think? Reading everywhere of the health benefits! I notice lots of curry recipes use cocunut milk too. These are not yet staple in my cupboard.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      Hope to change that for you :)

  32. Cherz

    February 24, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    With these harsh cold weather /extreme weather days, this recipe may hit the spot on warming up

    Thanks for sharing. My family loves coconuts

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      So nice to hear that!

  33. Michelle

    February 26, 2015 at 2:29 am

    I love love Tomato Soup and I have to start using Coconut Oil more often for cooking…

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      Well, then this is a MUST try for you Michelle!

  34. Fathima

    February 26, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    Yeah we are big on coconut too!It is a staple in our house growing up and it is now in our house too.They make everything taste so good.Thanks for the recipe.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      So awesome! Thanks for sharing!

  35. MrDisco

    February 26, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    does candied coconut count?

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:03 pm

      Sure, why not? It’s SO good!

  36. kathy downey

    February 27, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    We love coconut and use it for cooking,skin care and our hair

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:03 pm

      Perfect uses!

  37. Sande Bno

    February 27, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    thanks for the great recipe – I saved it and will try it. looks great.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:03 pm

      Awesome!

  38. MrDisco

    February 27, 2015 at 10:50 pm

    that just calls for a bottle of Ginger Beer to drink

  39. Wanda Tracey

    February 27, 2015 at 11:36 pm

    These sounds like a very delectable soup! I can’t wait to try this because I love spices and cooking with coconut oil.I am kind of curios as to where you found this awesome recipe?

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      It was provided straight from the foodies at Grace Foods!

  40. George M

    February 28, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    I’m sure it tastes as good as it looks- and healthy!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      Both!

  41. loucheryl

    February 28, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    I love tomato soup and I love coconut but I’ve never thought of combining the two. YUM!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      Me neither, until I tried this! It is amazing!

  42. Lindsay O

    March 1, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    I use coconut a lot when cooking and baking, but I’ve never come across a soup similar to this one. I’m going to have to give it a try!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      Please do!

  43. Margaret Imecs

    March 3, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    I will try this! Thanks for the recipe!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      You’re welcome Margaret!

  44. Sande Bno

    March 3, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    Am looking forward to trying this soup – looks delicious.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      It’s so good!

  45. Melinda L.

    March 4, 2015 at 9:24 am

    I’m new to the whole coconut oil thing but I love it so far. Everything tastes so good. The coconut chips sound yummy

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      Oh they are to die for Melinda :)

  46. Stacy Scott

    March 4, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    This Looks and Sounds Delicious =) I will be defiantly giving this a try, We to have been using more coconut products =) Thank you for sharing =)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      You’re welcome Stacy!

  47. Victoria Ess

    March 5, 2015 at 8:11 am

    These looks really comforting! I’m not a fan of the taste of coconut though, although my partner would love it.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      Let me know if you make it for him :)

  48. Silvia D

    March 5, 2015 at 11:43 am

    love coconut, the soup look tasty,i like all the different spices and combination of the all,though I have never had tomato and coconut together, would love to try! Thanks for the recipe share!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:06 pm

      You’re welcome Silvia!

  49. Vesper Meikle

    March 6, 2015 at 8:33 am

    I have the coconut oil in the house (only because I have won quite a few jars) but my local store doesn’t stock coconut milk – not yet

  50. Bailey Dexter

    March 8, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Thanks for the recipe, our family is gluten free & this sounds amazing!Will be making it this week!!!

  51. Suzie M

    March 9, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    Love coconut, this recipe sounds great

  52. Melinda P

    March 11, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    Coconut is so versatile! I use coconut oil for cooking and for skin softener as well.

  53. kandi h

    March 11, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    I fell in love with all things coconut when i was in Thailand

  54. Debbie W

    March 13, 2015 at 9:41 am

    I’m finding more and more coconut being added to recipes. Im enjoying the flavours.

  55. Bobbijo Pentney

    March 13, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    Thanks for the recipe Lena. I am always trying to find a way to sneak healthy alternatives into my children’s meals.

  56. Susan T.

    April 21, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    This sounds great! I make a sweet potato coconut soup that is pretty similar and my family loves it!

  57. kathy downey

    June 16, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    We love tomato soup but I’ve never thought of combining coconut,it sure looks delicious

  58. kathy downey

    March 22, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    We love Coconut and enjoy it most for my skin but i do use it for baking and frying fruit

  59. Debbie White Beattie

    June 27, 2016 at 4:36 am

    I’ve never seen a recipe like this but the picture looks delicious and I love coconut

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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