Tofu Vegetable Soup

Discovered over 2000 years ago by the Chinese, tofu is sometimes called "the cheese of Asia," because of its physical resemblance to a block of farmer's cheese. Tofu is a highly nutritious, protein-rich food that is made from the curds of soybean milk. Off-white in color, it is usually sold in rectangular blocks. Tofu is a staple in the cuisines of many Asian countries. Tofu is its Japanese name, while in China it is known as doufu.. Tofu contains a low amount of calories, relatively large amount of iron, and little fat. Tofu has been found to be a great source of calcium and vitamin E as well.

Combined with vegetables and Tofu, this delicious soup is a complete meal in itself and a bowl of warm comfort on a chilly day. ENJOY!

Ingredients:

Tofu

Organic Tofu, Medium or Soft     – 1package

Chopped Carrot                         – ¼ cup

Chopped Cabbage                      – ¼ cup

Chopped pumpkin                       -1/4 cup

Chopped broccoli florets              – 5 no

Green Chilies –                              4 no

Galangal (Tender Thai Ginger)      – 1tsp

 Thai Red chili paste                   – ½ tsp.

Butter                                       – 1 tbsp.

 Water                                        3 cups

Salt                                          to taste

Pepper  powder                          1/8 tsp

Coriander leaves                           - few

Preparation:

• Cut Tofu into 1-inch cubes.
• Cut green chilies and galangal, broccoli into small pieces..
•  Heat butter in a pot and stir fry all vegetables, chilies, ginger for few minutes.
• Then add water, chili paste and tofu. Bring to  boil. 
• Cook over medium heat about 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Add salt, and pepper.  Garnish coriander leaves on it.
• Serve hot.

Tofu Soup

Corn Soup

Corn, one of the most popular and versatile vegetables, is also a good source of several nutrients. Corn is a low-fat complex carbohydrate that deserves a regular place on any healthy table. This high-fiber Corn is a body building food.

Corns Health Benefits are;

- Corn bran is a heart protector, when eaten everyday it can lower cholesterol in the body.

- Cornstarch can prevent diaper rash.

- Corn is also beneficial in anemia and constipation at-fighting kernels of goodness are also hearty and satisfying.

Consumption of corn kernels assists the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension

           For these various reasons, the consumption of sweet corn is very necessary, as it has so many health benefits. It is a good idea to include sweet corn as a staple part of your diet to a considerable extent so as to maximize the benefits that you can glean from this rich food source.

Ingredients: 

Frozen  corns-                                1 cup

Carrot –                                         ¼ cup (chopped)

Green peas –                                  ¼ cup (boiled)

Grated ginger                                 1tbsp

Cabbage,                                       1/4 Cup  (thin strips )

Cheese –                                        2 tbsp (optional)

Sugar                                              1 tsp

Pepper powder                                 to taste

Green chillies –                                  3 no (chopped )

Corn flour –                                    1 tsp (mix with 1 tbsp of water)

Salt                                                   to taste

Oil                                                   as required

Cilantro leaves                                    for garnishing

Water                                              as required

 Method:

• Take a pan and heat a little oil, fry frozen corns, green peas, carrot, ginger, green chillies, and cabbage .
• Cook all above vegetables in the microwave until soft.
• Take a pan, adds water and add cooked vegetables and cook for few more minutes. Bring it to a boil.
• Combine salt, pepper and sugar with it, mix well. 
• Boil for about one minute and add corn flour water in it. Lower the stove heat. Let it boil for one more minute.
• Remove it from the heat. Finally add cheese to it. 
• Garnish it with the coriander leaves and serve hot . 

Carrot and Pea Soup

Ingredients 

Chopped carrots                           1  cup

Fresh or frozen green peas             1/2 cup

Chopped Jalapenos s                    - 1 no

Water                                          2 cups

Crushed black peppercorns              ½ teaspoon

Green cardamom pods, crushed         2 no

Cloves                                          – 2

stick cinnamon                               1-inch

Bay leaves                                      2

Juice of  lemon                                1

Salt                                               TO TASTE

 heavy cream                                 ¼ cup(optional)

Milk                                              – ¼ cup

chopped fresh cilantro leaves             2 tablespoons 

  

 Method:

• Heat the stock in a saucepan.  Place peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves in a square of cheesecloth and tie the cloth closed. 
• Add to the pot, along with the carrots, peas, Jalapenos, lemon juice, and salt to taste.  Bring to a boil. 
•  Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.  Remove from heat and discard the bag of spices.
•  Let the soup cool slightly, then puree in a food processor or blender until smooth. 
•  Force the soup through a strainer into a clean pan.  Add the heavy cream/ milk and bring the soup to a simmer, skimming if necessary. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Carrot and Pea Soup