5 Yummy and Nutritious Soups To Beat The Monsoon Chill

The Monsoon season is here and the weather is turning chilly. The first thing that comes in mind when it is pouring outside is for some hot tea and pakoras. As the rainy season ignites the taste buds and we love to gorge on hot fried stuff. But in this health-conscious world, the best option instead of fried stuff is Soup. They are not only filling but also the best way to satisfy your cravings without giving up on fitness. A bowl of piping hot soup can make you feel strong and at the same time, it offers protection from diseases like cold and flu and tummy problems.

Here are 5 delicious soup recipes to make your rainy season enjoyable:

1. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 450 gms sliced Mushrooms
• 1 onion chopped
• 2tbsp butter
• cornflour
• garlic
• 1’2 tsp ajwain
• 1/2 cup thick cream
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• black pepper powder, salt, and coriander.

Method:

1. Take 2tbsp of butter in a pan and heat it. Now add 450gms sliced mushrooms along with salt as per taste and stir it till the mushrooms turn golden brown.

2. Take chopped onion (1 in quantity) along with 1tsp of finely chopped garlic and cook for two minutes.

3. Add vegetable stock and ½ tsp of ajwain and mix it well. {Vegetable stock comprises of large onions, medium carrots, stalks of celery, a whole bulb of garlic, peppercorns and a bay leaf}

3. Cook it on a low flame till the soup starts to bubble. Lower the flame and cook it for 30-40 minutes.

4. Blend the soup with the help of a hand blender till it becomes smooth. Add ½ cup of cream to the soup and stir it.

5. Cook for another few minutes on a low flame as you add salt and black pepper powder to it.

6. Soup is ready. Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves before serve.

2. French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

• 500 gms  Onions
• 1/2 tsp maida,
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 6/8 slices bread,
• cheese,
• 2 tbsp butter,
• garlic, bay leaves (tej patta),
• salt and black pepper powder.

Method:

1. Take butter in a pan and heat it. Now add 500gms of finely chopped onions along with 2 bay leaves and cook it for 3-5 minutes till the onion turns light brown.

2. Add one and ½ tbsp of maida, mix it well, and cook for 5 minutes before adding vegetable stock.

3. Cook the soup till it comes to boil and then lower the flame and cook it for 45 minutes.

4. Sprinkle salt and pepper powder as per your taste.

5. Take 6-8 bread slices and toast them. Spread grated cheese on it and grill it till cheese melts completely.

Serve the soup with the crispy cheese toasts.

3. Potato and Broccoli Soup:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes – 2 cups, chopped
• Broccoli – 1 cup, cleaned, chopped
• Black Pepper Powder as per taste
• Vegetable Stock – 225 ml
• Water – 1/2 cup

Method:
– Mix the stock and water in a pan.
– Place it over medium flame and add the potatoes.
– Boil the potatoes until soft.
– Add the chopped broccoli and cook until broccoli is soft.
– Transfer to a blender and blender well without making the potatoes mushy.
– Sprinkle pepper powder.
– Serve at once.

4. Cream Of Spinach:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 bunch palak/spinach leaves
• ¼ cup water, to blend
• ½ cup milk
• salt to taste
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp fresh cream

Instructions:
1. Take a frying pan add butter, add finely chopped onions, and garlic. saute till they turn golden brown.
2. Boil palak leaves and make a smooth puree by adding some water.
3. Transfer the blended puree to the frying pan
4. Add half a cup of milk.
5. Add salt and pepper and some white sauce.

Boil and serve the soup topped with some fresh cream.

5. Tomato Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp butter
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2 clove garlic(optional)
• 3 tomato, chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp pepper, crushed
• 2 tbsp cream / malai
• Salt as per taste

Instruction:

1. heat 1 tsp butter and saute ½ onion, 2 clove garlic
2. Add 3 tomato and ½ tsp salt.
3. Saute for a minute or till tomatoes change colour.
4. Add ½ cup water, cover, and boil till tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
5. Cool the mixture and blend to smooth paste
6. sieve the tomato paste
7. Add ½ cup water or more adjusting consistency.
8. get the soup to a boil and add 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp salt.
9. add 2 tbsp cream and serve hot with croutons