This traditional garlic soup from Castile may very well be what sustained Don Quixote in his windmill attacks. It is a simple soup and a type of gazpacho, in the sense that bread is used as a thickener. Spanish smoked paprika, or pimentón de la Vera—which comes in sweet, bittersweet or hot varieties, depending on your preference—is produced in a neighboring region and provides the distinguishing flavor to the soup.
In Chinese medicine, which is fundamentally based on the balancing principles of yin and yang, heating foods are those that warm the body, feeding it with energy. Balance, which includes establishing equilibrium among the five flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami), helps the body’s vital spirit, called qi, to flow freely and support excellent health. Need I say more? Hot, sour, salty, sweet and loaded with umami from the soy sauce and mushrooms, which are also known to strengthen the immune system, this soup has all the makings of a restorative tonic. And it tastes good, too!
Served with dark rye bread this hearty soup makes a soul-satisfying meal. It has the best flavor when it’s made with a combination of beef and vegetable broth, but if you’re a vegetarian, vegetable broth works well, too.
The addition of a flavorful whole grain, leeks and a hint of ginger is a particularly delicious spin on classic chicken and rice soup. I like to make the stock a day ahead so it can be refrigerated, which makes easy work of skimming off the fat. This makes a great light dinner accompanied by a tossed salad.Continue reading
Curried Sweet Potato and Millet Soup
Makes 6 servings
This soup is a lovely combination of flavors and texture. It has a mild curry taste, enhanced with the addition of orange and a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup. The toasted walnuts add taste and an appealing bit of crunch, while the optional yogurt provides a creamy finish. Although this is a great cold weather soup, it’s light enough to be enjoyed any time of the year — perhaps even for dinner with the addition of salad.Continue reading
This combination of beef and chickpeas in an Indian-inspired sauce is particularly delicious. I like to serve this with brown basmati rice, not only because I like its pleasant nutty flavor but also for its nutritional value. This is a generous serving (almost 2 cups/500 mL) so there will be more than enough to fill you up.
