So 2018 has started with a fabulous new group I'm running, with some great women looking to begin the year with a re-boot to their food intake. It really is a pleasure to talk about losing weight through healthy eating & not the dreaded d word. There is no denying ourselves, we are just all about enjoying the best of the delicious foods out there in a way that I KNOW is sustainable! Even better, is that everyone is supporting each other & sharing their own ideas each week.
Tonight I'm sharing the basics of making a soup alongside recipes that are tried & tested. But if you're new to soup try starting with these easy steps
How to Make Any Vegetable Soup in a Few Quick Steps
Heat saucepan with a little bit of olive oil or coconut oil.
Add chopped onions, garlic, celery.
Cook until translucent, approx 5-10 mins.
Now add vegetables: root, green, cruciferous. Chop up small for speed.
Add a protein for increased nutritional value: a cup of red lentils cooks in 8 mins, or a tin of butter beans, chickpeas, borlotti beans are all easy & delicious.
Season with salt & pepper, but then try other flavours too: curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, chili, smoked paprika, fresh ginger, chopped herbs
Cover with a couple of pints of stock. Other options tins of tomatoes / coconut milk
Simmer for 10 -20 mins
Blend as much or little as you want - chunky soup is nice, depending on ingredients.
Garnish for added texture & flavour:
toasted seeds
toasted chopped nuts
finely chopped basil/dill/coriander/parsley
drizzle of oil
diced avocado
spoon of fresh tomato salsa
sprinkle of parmesan
squeeze of orange/ lime
small dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche