Vegetable Soup: Excellent Appetizer
Soups are such a comforting meal. Some soups make light meal and some are filling. Full of nutrients, gently warming, these vegetarian and vegan soups are so restorative to the body. Consuming lots of soups is so good for health. Healthy Veg soup is a very popular recipe and serves as an excellent appetizer. Veg soup plays an important role in healthy vegetarian diet, as it helps in weight loss. Low in calories but high in fiber, it boosts hydration. It is a very good choice for those who want to stay slim and healthy. Also, it is a healthy and tasty dish for growing kids. Vegetable soup is a great way to lighten up heavier meals. It is hearty, nutritious, and requires simple and inexpensive ingredients. It’s purely vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
There are so many ways of preparing a vegetable soup. It doesn’t have to be bland and boring. It is versatile by design, and one can use onion, carrots and celery as a base. Seasonal vegetables can be added to make this soup more hearty and interesting. Broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, zucchini, beets, asparagus, bok choy, broccoli rabe, cabbage, and leeks are all great substitutes or additions. Salt makes such a huge difference in flavor. Adding salt during different stages of the cooking process builds more flavor than simply adding it all at the end. Curry powder adds some subtle intrigue and warmth to this soup. Chickpeas or white beans add a little more fiber and protein. A bit of ginger, garlic, black pepper and nutmeg is added for that hint of warmth and spice. Adding a bit of soy sauce gives an umami flavor to vegetable soup. Lemon juice is added at the end. The acidity in the lemon at the end helps define the flavor and adds brightness as well. Instead of lemon, balsamic vinegar can also be added. Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and a handful of fresh parsley makes the soup all the more amazing. Adding some cooked noodles in veg soup makes it wholesome!
A strained soup is fiber free. So in order to retain some fiber, it is recommended to avoid straining them for a health boost. Soups can even serve as a great dinner or afternoon snack as far as they do not contain too much salt or preservatives. While quick and clear stocks with leafy greens and lighter vegetables is a good alternative in summer, thicker stocks, slow cooked (boiled) on low flame, gain a upper hand in cooler seasons. Round vegetables like beetroot, pumpkin, sweet potato and other tubers can be cooked in the cooler seasons with spices like clove, cinnamon and green cardamom to warm the body, Baby Corn Soup, Cream of Broccoli Mushroom Soup, Turnip and Zucchini Soup are some examples of Veg soup prepared by chefs across the world. Visit Amma’s South Indian restaurant to relish a bowl of Veg soup that’s truly made in Indian style.
