Me Time + The Best Ever {Salmon Chowder}

Suffice it to say, with Babycake's being sick for almost 2 weeks, plus me getting said sickness, I have not had a lot of alone time. The first time I was able to take a shower by myself and sleep in my own bed in 9 days (rather than on my toddler's floor), it was like sweet freedom. So when my inlaws' offered to watch Babycakes on Saturday and keep her overnight, I said yes before they had time to change their minds :) What did I do with all this me-time?!  Well, first I grocery shopped alone and savored the peace and quiet; then I went on a thrift store shopping tour with some girlfriends looking for new blog photography props; then I had a lovely Indian meal with those girlfriends and we talked (without getting interrupted 8 times, heavenly!!) and laughed; then, I came home and made salmon chowder at 9pm. I'm weird, I know. But I loved every minute!!

Introducing The Best Ever Salmon Chowder:

I really can't say enough good things about this soup. It is absolutely perfect. I would not change a thing.

Savory. Scrumptious. And full of nourishing ingredients -- like salmon, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cashews... This is truly a meal that your entire family will love.

What's that about the cashews, you say?  Well, I used what's called a "cashew cream" instead of the traditional half and half used in chowders. Basically, you soak some raw cashews in water for a couple hours, then you drain away the water. Add fresh water & puree...and it makes a lovely dairy-free cream alternative.

Even if you are a dairy drinker/eater, you should give this recipe a try. Cashews are so good for you!!

Question:

  • What do you do for me-time?

Salmon Chowder

Salmon Chowder

Description

The best Salmon Chowder I've ever eaten!

Ingredients

2 cups Raw Cashews
1 cup Water (used for soaking, then drained)
1 cup Water (to puree with the soaked cashews)
2 Carrots (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon Vegan Butter (I used earth balance, or sub regular butter)
1⁄2 Sweet Onion (diced)
2 tablespoons Minced Garlic
1 Sweet Potato (peeled & cubed)
2 tablespoons Parsley (diced)
64 ounces Chicken broth
4 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast Flakes
3⁄4 pounds Wild Salmon

Instructions

  1. Ahead of time, soak your 2 cups of cashews in 1 cup of water for 3 hours.
  2. After 3 hours, drain the water out of the soaked cashews and discard.
  3. Add 1 cup of fresh water in with the soaked cashews and puree them with an immersion stick blender... then set aside.
  4. In a large stockpot, saute thinly sliced carrots, garlic, onion, and vegan butter for approximately 5 minutes, or until onion is softened and slightly browned.
  5. Add in diced sweet potato and saute for an additional 5 minutes. Potatoes should not get brown.
  6. Add in all remaining ingredients except for the salmon.
  7. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium to simmer for approximately 10 minutes.  Potatoes should be softened.
  8. Add in thawed wild salmon. The boiling soup will cook it in about 8 minutes.
  9. Once salmon is cooked through, use a fork to flake it into small pieces.
  10. Serve with a nice french bread (optional).

Yields 6 Servings