Spicy Kale Soup With Pepitas

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw pepitas

• 3 cups fairly tightly packed chopped kale

• 2 1/2 cups water

• 3 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/4 cup apple juice

• 1/2 cup mashed avocado

• 1 Tbsp. peeled and minced fresh ginger

• 1 tsp. seeded and diced hot pepper

• 1 1/2 tsp. sea salt, or to taste

• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

• 1 Pinch cayenne pepper

• 1/4 tsp. chipotle chile powder or 1/2 tsp. chili powder (optional)

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil (optional)

• 2 tsp. wheat-free tamari or other soy sauce, or to taste (optional)

• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro

• 1/4 cup seeded and minced red bell pepper, for garnish