Creamy Chicken Soup

Need a quick dinner to prepare after a hectic workday? I am here to save your night - there is no reason that you can't have a delicious, nutritious, meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast
• Italian seasoning
• Dried basil
• 1 14oz can coconut millk
• 1 14oz can diced tomatoes with chilies
• 1 1/2 cups veggie broth
• 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with as much Italian seasoning and basil as you prefer. I used a lot. Heat skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until no longer pink
2. Meanwhile, in a large soup pot heat coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and veggie broth. Allow to simmer until chicken is done. Add cilantro to soup, and some more basil if you'd like
3. Once chicken is cooked, dice it then add to soup pot. Stir and then serve!

Chilled Cucumber Soup

A couple Sunday's ago, Adam and I went to one of our favorite restaurants for brunch with another couple. This Sunday in particular they had a Chilled Cucumber Soup as one of the specials and I really, really, wanted to order it; However, I refrained as I knew it did not have 'clean' ingredients. Since I couldn't get it there, I mentally made a note to try and create my own version. Now, I have never had Chilled Cucumber Soup and I have no idea what is supposed to go in it - but I threw some things together in my blender and it turned out awesome! While this soup is delicious fresh, it was not that great the following day - just so you know.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 2 tbsp basil
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 2/3 cup coconut milk

 Instructions:

1. Peel the cucumber and chop into pieces.
2. Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

The only soup that I have made a Paleo version of is chili. This chili is hands-down the best chili I have ever had, so naturally when I am in a 'soup mood' I go for the chili. However, I have been thinking of attempting to make a different soup. I thought a lot about a soup that I really liked and that was hearty enough (read lots of meat and veggies) in it's non-paleo form to be a main dish. I decided to give Gumbo a whirl. I had no idea where to begin as I had never actually made gumbo before so I searched through some different recipes and ultimately modified a recipe that was posted on threedietsonedinner.blogspot.com.  I had a little left over chicken from a meal earlier in the week (plus some in the freezer) and I paired that with sausage. It turned out wonderful and Adam even asked if there was plenty for him to have seconds AND take some to work for lunch! Success!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 package chicken sausage
• 2 tsp paprika
• dash of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 1 poblano pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (12 oz) package frozen okra
• 8 cups clam stock - you can find this at publix
• 1 tsp coconut aminos
• 1/2 Tbsp hot sauce of choice - or more if you like it spicier
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
• sea salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions:

1. Stir together paprika, cayenne, sea salt and pepper (to taste). Sprinkle over chicken and rub it in!
2. Heat 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and sausage and cook until almost done. Remove from heat
3. Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the onions, poblano pepper, bell pepper, celery salt and an extra pinch of sea salt. Cook (stir often) until the veggies are tender. Add the garlic and continue to heat until garlic is fragrant
4. Add the clam stock, dried thyme, bay leaves and the chicken and sausage. Bring soup to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce to low heat and allow to simmer approx 30 minutes. Be sure at this point the chicken has finished cooking all the way through
5. Add coconut aminos, worcestershire, and hot sauce. Cover and allow to simmer a while longer. I let mine go for another 30 minutes or so or until the liquid reduced by a couple cups
6. At this point, add the okra - and simmer more until okra is heated through. 
7. Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
8. Eat up.