Simple Vegetable Soup

Last week was a week of reunions and meet ups, met some old friends and some not so old.  One of these friendships was made over a pack of Doritos, followed by a pack of Cheetos (this was lunch). We spent the entire day talking and munching, by the end of the day we knew almost everything about each other, that was 15 years ago. Nothing has changed and we still have the same capacity to talk,  hours fly by like minutes and there is always more to share and talk about. There are always some crazy joke that we laugh about and I don't think anyone else finds it funny. Handbags, shoes, politics, a bit of philosophy, new recipes 'n stars on food network, Michelle Obama's bangs ....we covered it all. Am sure people were relieved, when we left after lunch, we have some capacity to jabber. A girl thing, right!... I can't imagine my other half spending hours chatting about nothing in particular and being very happy about it. Ah ! the joys of womanhood! I will not have it any other way ! There are some people who just make you comfortable, even though you do not meet them very often....just like food ! Some foods are just comforting and bring you home - to who you are. No rules, no reservations !  I love this soup, it is such a warm hearty soup that fills me up and just makes me feel good !( and low on calories :)) Thank God, for good food and great friends :))


11/2 cup of vegetables of your choice - finely diced

I always add celery, spring onions plus other vegetables - what ever available.

2-3 cups vegetable stock

2 cloves

2 garlic cloves crushed

fresh ground pepper

1/4 tsp vinegar

1/2 tsp soy sauce

1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger

salt to taste

2-3 tsp cilantro finely chopped

1/4 tsp chili oil - optional

Cheese to garnish or serve cheese with bread, a soft cheese like brie goes very well with this soup.

Blanch the vegetables, mix in with the broth, add clove, garlic and ginger, bring to a boil. Add the vinegar, soy sauce, let it sit for 10 min  - serve with bread of your choice. Garnish with cilantro and chili oil. This soup is great for fighting colds !! The ginger and clove really help clear those sinuses.