Soup magic: Savour these quick soup recipes to beat the rainy day blues
Soup recipes: The warmth of soup helps regulate your body temperature, and its liquid content keeps you hydrated. Enjoy these different soups to ward off the monsoon blues and stay healthy.
The rainy season, with its increased humidity and cooler temperatures, can create an environment conducive to colds and respiratory infections. Eating soup during this time can play a vital role in maintaining your health. Soups are hydrating and easy to digest, making them perfect for soothing a sore throat or reducing symptoms of a cold. In the rainy season, eating a variety of soups can be both comforting and beneficial to your well-being. Try these hearty, steaming bowls of soups that bring solace during the chilly, damp weather and also offer essential nutrients to keep you healthy: (Image: Canva)
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Broccoli and almond soup: For a comforting and nutritious option, heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onions until softened. Add (washed) broccoli florets and salt, then cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender. Let the mixture cool, then blend with soaked and peeled almonds and milk until smooth. Pour the soup into a saucepan, bring to a boil, adjust salt to taste, and garnish with crushed black pepper before serving hot (Image: Canva)
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Corn soup with pepper: Start by sautéing onion and garlic in butter. Add corn kernels, baby corn, and 4 cups of water, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the corn is tender. Blend until smooth, then stir in a couple of tablespoons of corn powder to thicken the soup. Add finely cut baby corn for texture, and finish with a generous amount of black pepper for added flavour and a slight kick (Image: Canva)
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Basil-lemon soup: This combination adds a refreshing flavour and also provides a boost of immune-supporting nutrients. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in fresh basil and cook for 2 minutes, then add lemon juice. Blend the soup until smooth, season with salt and pepper, heat through, and serve hot with optional basil garnish (Image: Canva)
Tomato soup with a twist: Take finely cut onion and garlic and sauté in olive oil, then add chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, then blend until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil for a rich soup that supports heart health with its lycopene content (Image: Canva)
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Bottle gourd and tomato soup: Add little butter, diced bottle gourd, tomatoes, and vegetable broth in a pan. Simmer until the bottle gourd is tender, then blend the mixture until smooth. This soup is hydrating and low in calories, making it ideal for digestion and keeping your weight in check (Image: Canva)
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Lentil soup: Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil, then add lentils and vegetable broth. Simmer until the lentils are tender, then season with salt and pepper. This hearty soup provides a good source of protein and fibre and helps to maintain muscle health and stable blood sugar levels (Image: Canva)
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
