By popular demand, a thread on our favorite veggie puree's and different ways we use them for majah' flavah'!!!
Here are some rough estimates I use to measure my veggies:
1 medium cauliflower ~ 4 cups chopped
1 rib celery ~ 1/2 cup chopped
1 medium bell pepper or poblano ~ 1 cup chopped
4 jalapenos ~ 1 cup choppped
1 medium zucchini ~ 2 cups chopped
1lb asparagus ~ 2 cups chopped
1lb mushrooms ~ 2 cups chopped
*Double check with your own measurements as veggie descriptions can be relative!
*Keep in mind your puree will blend down tremendously, so it's a good idea to parse it out after you make it to keep 'track' of just how many cups of veggies you are consuming.
*Note: I tend to add 'extra' celery to my purees, not only does it add structure, but it's a "lighter" veggie that can help balance out some of the carbier ones on the Select list.
*Check your labels and with your coach - the 1 cup of Chicken Broth I use adds 5 calories from 1g protein.
*For those folks having trouble fitting in your 2 tsp oil allotment/day - you can add it to your purees! Just make sure to account for it. Personally, I do NOT count the amount I use to spray my veggies before roasting - as it is such a small spritzing and the cooking process does affect the oil structure and you want to make sure you have a 'pure dose' of it to help your body absorb the fat soluble vitamins, etc.
BEWARE!!! CAUTION!!! When blending hot items keep the stopper off the top of your blender or else you will face a steam explosion when you take off your blender top!
...Now on to the puree's!