Healthy Soup

Many of you will have visited our soup and snack stall at the highly successful Henbury Fun day in August (photo) – we chose to make soup because it is one of the healthiest meals you can eat, whether it’s for lunch, supper or simply a snack. It makes a wholesome meal any time of year but it’s especially welcome as the weather gets colder….Homemade soup is best of all. It’s economical and simple to make and can be a good way to use up leftovers. And you can always freeze some for another day.Here is our basic formula (some might even call it a recipe!) for cooking up a delicious tomato and vegetable soup – just add what’s available in season in the shops or in your garden, or whatever happens to be in your cupboard or fridge, plus a little of your own imagination.

- a chopped onion in a little vegetable oil

- Add chopped garlic if you like this

- Add some chopped vegetables – eg carrots, celery, mushrooms, beans, potatoes, any frozen or leftover vegetables

- Add a tin of chopped tomatoes

- Add a pint of water (more or less depending on how many people and how thick you like your soup)

- Add a stock cube or some stock powder

- Add whatever flavours you like – dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil or mixed herbs work well), fresh herbs, or spice it up with some chilli sauce (easy does it!)

- Add salt & pepper to taste (if you have high blood pressure – go easy on the salt)

To make it a complete meal – add a handful of red lentils or a tin of beans (excellent cheap protein that’s also good for your heart) or tinned sweet corn.

Bring to the boil, then simmer and stir occasionally for about 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Whizz it up with a hand whisk if you like a smooth soup or want to drink it from a mug. Or leave it chunky and eat with a spoon. You can top your soup with grated cheese, or stir in some plain yoghurt. Or add chopped fresh herbs – parsley, basil or thyme. Or float some croutons made from stale bread dipped in olive oil and toasted in the oven for 5 -10 mins.

Enjoy with some chunky wholemeal bread and a salad for the healthiest meal of all!

Dr Melanie Mackintosh, Willow Tree Surgery, Henbury