Soup for the Soul

Read a post by someone on a social networking website seeking advice on what to do/how to respond to a friend who had been thru a personal tragedy, but, had requested space at this time. There were a number of different responses....ranging from cook her meals, help her get organized, listen to her, take her out for a play/movie etc. Thankfully, no one advised that the friend should be left alone.

How is it that when we read about any one's personal loss and pain, we automatically put ourselves in their shoes? That post stayed with me for a long time and I recollected my personal emotions (during my lows) to give back my piece of advice. "Go to her, give her a long, warm hug, make a cup of tea and simply listen".

We are all super strong as humans. We are specially strong when it comes to "hiding" our true emotions. Losses are hard....in any form. But, if the lasting impression of the loss is the memory of the friend who rang the door bell when you were least expecting her.....then truly the bitterness of that loss gets softened by memories of some one's kindness.

It is easy to tell yourself - I am giving her "space"/ this is "family time"/ what will I say? I have too much going on -  and think that you are doing the right thing. However, somewhere you are left with the unending, nagging sensation that you did not truly stretch yourself as much as you could have/should have.

Yes, this one is a "heavy" post no doubt. It has probably got each of you thinking of your times of loss and the times when you were there for someone.

With that, let me do what I do well....which is share a recipe for a heartwarming soup. After all, is there any better "pick-me-up" out there? No, alcohol does not count!!
 

Roasted Bell Pepper Soup

(serves 5)



3 medium size red/yellow/orange bell peppers

2 medium size tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup chopped apple

3 cloves chopped garlic

4 cups vegetable stock

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp butter

1/4 tsp red chili flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Prep the bell peppers by applying olive oil on the whole peppers and roasting in the oven at 200 degree Celsius for 20 minutes (turning occasionally). Once done, put in a zip lock bag and seal to allow the peppers to sweat. After 10 minutes, remove from the bag and carefully peel away the skin (be careful, it will be hot). Slice and keep aside.

Roast the tomatoes similar to the peppers (slicing them lengthwise may be faster). Keep the chopped vegetables and apples aside as well.

Place a large saucepan on medium heat and add the olive oil and butter together. Once its heated, add the chili flakes. Add the celery, onion and carrot mix with the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the apples and a little salt and allow to cook while covered for 5-6 minutes. Once the vegetables are softened, add the bell peppers.

After a minute or so, add the tomatoes and start adding the stock gradually. You want enough to just cover the vegetables. The stock used above was made at home with carrots, celery, onions, thyme, salt, peppercorns and sugar. Allow the soup mixture to come to a boil and adjust for seasoning. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and cover the saucepan and leave it on low heat for another 5 minutes.

Blend the soup and sieve. Check the seasoning and serve warm.

 

For a slight variation, you can add a swirl of herb flavored sauce which can also second as a side dip with your bread.

Basil and Yogurt Swirl

(makes 1/2 cup)

1/3 cup basil leaves

1/2 cup thick yogurt (or low fat sour cream)

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 green chili

Salt/pepper to taste

 

Take all the ingredients and blend together in a food processor till smooth.

 

Add this to your soup when serving to get bursts of basil flavor combined with the smoothness of the yogurt base. A true joy - specially when you consider that it is almost fat free!!

 

 

As it happens, this recipe and pictures were pulled together while I was at a friend's house and we were experimenting with cooking.

 

Thank you to each of my friends for being their over a cup of coffee, bowl of soup and brownie treats - laughing, crying and sharing stories together with you, leaves me with a warm feeling in my soul.