by Mark s stephens

Created on: August 08, 2011   Last Updated: December 01, 2011

The making of soup can be a great way to get your children who may not like or eat enough vegetables to surprise you and not only eat a whole bowl full but ask for more of this healthy meal.  When you take the time to make your own soup the benefits are you know exactly what is going into it without all those preservatives and E numbers that pre-cooked ready meals and soups seem so full of.  All you will be getting is the taste, and nourishment, of the vegetables you use for this cheap and healthy recipe.  Did you notice I used the word cheap; for just a couple of pounds or three or four dollars you can give a family of five a great meal.

The basic equipment you need to cook a good soup can be found in most kitchens. A good sized saucepan a sharp knife and a cutting board.  If you have a blender even better, if you haven't cut your vegetable into smaller pieces and have chunky soup, though a blender does disguise what you have put in so your little horrors cannot say "ugh I don't like carrots or broccoli".  Plus it has the added bonus of giving your soup a lighter almost velvety feel in your mouth.  OK, enough, let's get to the recipe.

Equipment.  Knife chopping board large saucepan stove blender.

Ingredients.

1.  Stock vegetables 2 large onions 3 or 4 carrots 2 or 3 sticks of celery. (Basic ingredients)

2. 1lb of broccoli.

3. 2 or 3 cloves of garlic (optional)

4. 1 1/2 Pints of chicken or vegetable stock (made from stock cubes or similar are great)

5. Salt and pepper.

Method.

First of all peel and chop your stock vegetables. With a little oil in your pan, first add your onions and garlic. Keep it on a low heat, because you are not looking to colour your onions, just let them sweat a bit to allow the natural sugars to do their job.  Now add your carrots and celery, give it a good mix and again just let them slowly cook in their own juces for five or ten minutes stirring occasionally.  Now add your preferred stock season to taste. Now take it up to the boil. When boiling reduce heat until you have the soup simmering. Cover and leave for twenty minutes. Now add your broccoli and cook for a further twenty minutes.

For the safest and  best results, allow your soup to get cold before you start blending. Do this in small amounts to cut down on mess and wastage and there is the cook's bonus: You will usually have a cup of liquid left over. Just heat in the microwave and you have a delicious drink.  Now gently reheat and serve. At this point you can add  different herbs such as coriander, basil, parsley and you can even add creme freche or, if you are feeling like a treat, dribble some cream over the top and serve with warmed crusty bread.

Learn more about this author, Mark s stephens.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.