Source: nephrocare.it

Presentation

First course of French origin prepared with zucchini, leeks, curry, crème fraîche, extra virgin olive oil, bread, aromatic herbs, croutons and pepper

Ingredients

Serves 4

Zucchini – 3 medium (≈ 450 g / 1 lb / ≈ 3 cups sliced)

Leeks (white part only) – 2 medium (≈ 300 g / 10.6 oz)

Curry powder – 1 tablespoon (≈ 7 g / 0.25 oz)

Crème fraîche (30% fat) – 2 tablespoons (≈ 30 g / 1 fl oz)

Extra-virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz)

Homemade bread – 2 slices (≈ 60 g / 2.1 oz)

Fresh herb bundle (bouquet garni) – 1 bunch (≈ 10–15 g / 0.35–0.5 oz)

Croutons – to taste (≈ 1 cup / 30 g)

Ground black pepper – to taste

Method

Peel and slice the zucchini.

Bring 1 liter of water to a boil with the bunch of herbs garni.

Peel the leeks and cut them into rings.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot and stew the leeks for 3 minutes.

Sprinkle with curry and stir.

Add the zucchini and broth.

Add the pepper.

Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Let cool, then blend until you get a fine puree.

Add the crème fraîche and after a few moments mix again.

Leave in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Cut the slices of bread into cubes.

Toast them in a pan with the last tablespoon of olive oil.

Just before serving, stir the cream, pour it into bowls or tall glasses and add a few croutons.

Serve it cold.

Allergens

Sour cream or crème fraiche: milk allergens

Crostini:  cereals containing gluten included in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Curry: presence of mustard and other spices (check on the label)

Aromatic herbs garni or bouquet: variable composition of thyme, bay leaf, parsley, sage, rosemary, cloves and allspice (see allergenic characteristics of each plant).

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Bread: cereals containing gluten included in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Leek: cases of individual reactivity reported, possible cross-reaction in case of birch allergy

Zucchini: possible individual intolerance or cross-reaction in case of allergy to Ambrosia

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Sour cream or crème fraiche: rich in lactic ferments that regulate the intestinal flora and promote the functionality of the immune system. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of probiotics, vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants

Crostini: cereals stimulate the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Curry: able to strengthen the immune system

Aromatic herbs garni or fragrant bunch:

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Bread: cereals stimulate the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Leek: contains ingredients favorable to diuresis and antioxidants favorable to the functioning of the cardiovascular system and immune system

Zucchini: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathics; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Safety / Intended use

Can also be administered in case of:

• Diarrhea
• Mucositis
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Dysphagia (Problems chewing – swallowing)