Sunday, October 22, 2006

Spinach-y soup

Ever since my new cookbook Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons came in the mail on Monday, I've been dying to use it; but I've had to be patient. Today, finally, I tried one. This is the Curried Millet-Spinach Soup (p. 64). It is classified as a winter soup, but I went with it because it looked simple and because I haven't had spinach in a long time. Here it is, towards the end of cooking, after the parsley, spinach, and lemon juice had been added:



It's a very elegant, lovely looking soup. Tomatoes, carrots, and spinach give it vibrant color, and cinnamon, ginger, and curry powder create an enticing smell as this soup simmers on the stove.



I have to tell you, I've never tasted a soup like this before in my life. The spices that smelled so powerful (disturbingly so) as it cooked were very subtle in the end. The recipe called for the juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon. I used an entire lemon, and I think next time I would probably cut back to 1/2. And I added lots and lots of salt and pepper because it seemed a little bland at first. Overall, I enjoyed this soup and would make it again, but I don't think it will become a favorite.

It was a millet day today, I guess. My throat has felt icky for some days now, so this morning I made Millet-Amaranth Porridge from Vive! to soothe it. No picture, sorry, but it looks exactly as it did when I made it before. I toasted some almonds to sprinkle on top this time, and that was a nice addition.

Maybe I'll cook again this week... maybe not though. Wednesday our fall break begins, and Bob and I are going down to Orlando, Florida with some friends to visit some people and to go to Disney World. We'll probably cook a little while we're down there, but I am not sure really. Anyway, I'll definitely post again when I return, if not sooner!

One last thing: I took this quiz, and here are the results:

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...
You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings
Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you


Me, autumn? Who would have guessed it?

Take care, everyone! You bloggers are awesome and encouraging and you just plain rock! Thanks for all you do.

8 comments:

funwithyourfood said...

Glad to see you broke into nava's book!

Teddy

bazu said...

That soup looks so gorgeous. I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well, but I'm sure all the soup is helping your throat!

Nikk said...

I just got my book last week too! I love Nava's books...they're so informative and the illustrations are just lovely! I was going to go for something with cauliflower tonight. I think the one with lentils & potatoes...

urban vegan said...

I can't wait to try some of these recipes. Your soup looks fantastic. I'm so cold right now that I wish I could have a taste imemdiately.

Anonymous said...

I hope you feel better soon too. I'm afraid that you may have chilly weather when you go to O-town this weekend. Hopefully, it'll warm up before your trip.

Candi said...

I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well! Seems like SO many people are ill lately. I am just recovering from our bad sickness...2 weeks later! Wow.

I love the look of that soup! So colorful. I still do not have any soup recipe books, but will get the one everyone is talking about. Nava? I think that's the author.

I did the quiz, and: You Belong in Fall! :)

I will send good thoughts you way and hope you recover soon!!

aTxVegn said...

That soup was the first one I tried from Nava's book. It was different, but nice for a change. I cut down on the curry and let it get nice and thick. It sure made a big pot full, didn't it?!?!

Feel better so you can have fun in Orlando!

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

I also belong in FALL -- not surprised cuz it's my favorite season. That's a good cookbook & maybe it's time for me to try another Fall Soup. Have a blast in Florida - enjoy your time off!! :o)
ps: have you gargled w/salt water yet? it helps a yucky throat.