Food
5 Great Soups For Rainy Days
To make a good soup, you have to build flavours as you go. Vegetables like onion, garlic, celery and carrots — referred to as ‘aromatics’ — are part of most soup recipes for this very reason, sautéed in oil or butter as a first step of flavour-making.
We all love soups in all forms and flavors and they are so easy to prepare too!
Vegan Sweet Potato Soup
The sweet potatoes give this soup a creamy texture, so there’s no need to add cream or milk.
Ingredients
2 tsp groundnut oil
1 onion, finely diced
2 sticks celery, finely diced
500 g sweet potato, peeled and cut into small dices
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 hot chilli, seeded and chopped (or to taste)
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 litre vegetable stock
2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
Chopped coriander leaves, to serve
Slivered almonds, to serve
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium-high flame, add the onion, celery and sweet potato, and cook for 10 minutes until the onion and celery have softened.
- Add the ginger, chilli and garlic, and cook for two minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and stock. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes. Season.
- Stir in the peanut butter, then blend until smooth.
- Serve garnished with coriander leaves and almonds slivers.
Roasted Tomato Soup
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
½ onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stick celery, finely chopped
100 ml tomato paste
4 large ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled and chopped
½ stock cube
200 ml water
A pinch of sugar
Salt, to taste
100 g pasta, cooked
To serve:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped basil
Method
- Heat a saucepan over a low flame and add the oil.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot and celery and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Add the stock cube, water, sugar and salt to season and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and allow to heat through.
- Remove from the flame and divide between serving bowls.
- Serve hot, garnished with the cheese and basil.
Mint and Zucchini Soup
This delectable soup is like many spoonfuls of wellness!
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
Salt, to taste
3 cloves garlic, sliced
6 zucchini, thinly sliced
740 ml vegetable stock
150 ml crème fraîche + extra to serve
1 small bunch mint leaves, chopped (divided usage)
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium flame, and cook the onions with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes until softened; do not allow them to colour. Add the garlic, and cook for a few minutes. Add the zucchini, and cook on a low flame for 20 minutes.
- Add the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and allow to cook for a few minutes.
- Blend the soup until completely smooth. Stir in the crème fraîche and three-fourth of the mint. Blend again, and season to taste
- Divide into serving bowls, and serve, drizzled with crème fraîche and garnished with mint leaves
Walnut & Mushroom Soup
This soup is so rich in flavors that you’d think it would take hours to cook, but, no, it is as easy as it gets, with a handful of ingredients and minimum time.
Ingredients
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
450 g fresh mushrooms, sliced
2/3 cup finely-chopped shallots
430 g vegetable broth
1½ tsp chopped fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
1 cup walnuts
½ cup water
Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
Method
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium-high flame.
- Add the mushrooms and shallots, and cook for five minutes until softened, stirring several times.
- Add the broth and thyme, and bring to a boil. Reduce the flame, and simmer, covered, for five minutes.
- Place the walnuts and water in a food processor or blender. Whirl until the walnuts are completely blended and smooth and paste-like.
- Stir into the mushroom mixture, and season with the sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper. Simmer over a medium-low flame for five minutes until slightly thickened, stirring frequently.
- Serve as is, or puree soup with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.
Broccoli and Almond Soup
This soup is loaded with rich flavors and nutrition that your body is going to thank you for!
Ingredients
250 g broccoli
150 g spinach, blanched and placed in ice water
1 tsp oil
1 tsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bay leaf
15 g almonds, soaked
500 ml vegetable stock
1 green chilli
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg
Method
- Bring salted water to the boil in a large saucepan. Blanch the broccoli in the boiling water for two minutes.
- Remove the broccoli to a bowl of iced water, and blanch the spinach for two minutes in the same boiling water. Remove and add to iced water.
- Heat the oil and butter in another saucepan. When warm, add the onion, garlic and bay leaf, and cook for two to three minutes until the onion is pink and translucent.
- Remove the mixture from the flame, discard the bay leaf, and blend to a smooth paste along with the blanched broccoli and spinach.
- Return the paste to the saucepan.
- Add the almonds to the grinder, and blend to a smooth paste.
- Add the almond paste to the spinach-broccoli paste along with the vegetable stock, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Simmer, covered for five to seven minutes. Serve hot.
Food
Coffee Pairing: Foods That Complement Your Morning Brew
International Coffee Day is a celebration for coffee lovers around the world, offering the perfect opportunity to elevate your morning coffee experience by pairing it with the right foods. While we often focus on how we brew our coffee, the right food pairing can make a world of difference, enhancing the flavors and aromas of your favorite cup of joe. Let’s dive into some delightful coffee and food pairings that will make your mornings even more enjoyable.
1. Espresso & Dark Chocolate
If you’re an espresso enthusiast, pairing this bold and concentrated coffee with dark chocolate is a match made in heaven. The richness of the chocolate complements the intensity of the espresso, balancing its bitterness while enhancing its deep, earthy notes. Try a square of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa to elevate your espresso experience.
2. Latte & Croissants
For a softer and creamier start to the day, a latte paired with a buttery croissant is a classic combination. The mild and frothy nature of the latte contrasts beautifully with the flaky, buttery layers of the croissant, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
3. Cappuccino & Almond Biscotti
Cappuccino, with its frothy milk and rich espresso base, pairs wonderfully with almond biscotti. The biscotti’s crunchy texture and subtle sweetness complement the coffee’s bold flavor, making this an ideal choice for those who enjoy dipping their snacks into their coffee.
4. Cold Brew & Avocado Toast
For a modern and trendy breakfast, cold brew coffee pairs exceptionally well with avocado toast. The smooth, refreshing flavor of cold brew contrasts with the creamy, savory taste of avocado spread on toasted sourdough, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
5. Americano & Blueberry Muffins
The subtle and smooth profile of an Americano pairs perfectly with a fruity blueberry muffin. The sweetness and slight tartness of the blueberries bring out the brighter, fruity notes in the coffee, while the muffin’s soft texture complements the light body of the Americano.
6. Mocha & Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, pairing a mocha with a cinnamon roll will satisfy your sweet tooth. The chocolatey, rich flavor of the mocha mirrors the sweetness of the cinnamon roll’s glaze, while the spiced notes from the cinnamon add a layer of complexity to the pairing.
7. Flat White & Banana Bread
Flat whites are known for their smooth, velvety texture and strong espresso flavor, making them an excellent match for the moist, dense goodness of banana bread. The banana bread’s natural sweetness and subtle flavors work well to soften the intensity of the coffee, creating a balanced taste.
8. Turkish Coffee & Baklava
For a cultural twist, pair the bold, unfiltered flavors of Turkish coffee with the sweetness of baklava. The rich, syrupy layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and honey provide the perfect complement to the strong, concentrated coffee, creating a sensory experience that is both rich and satisfying.
9. Iced Coffee & Fresh Fruit Salad
On warmer days, an iced coffee goes well with a fresh fruit salad. The chilled, refreshing nature of iced coffee enhances the natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like melons, berries, and citrus, making it a light and healthy pairing for a quick breakfast.
10. Macchiato & Cheese Danish
For those who enjoy a macchiato, the addition of a cheese Danish offers a creamy and slightly tangy balance to the intense espresso shot topped with just a bit of milk foam. The Danish’s soft, cheesy filling contrasts well with the strong coffee, making each bite more indulgent.
The beauty of coffee lies in its versatility, and with the right pairing, you can transform your morning coffee into a more elevated culinary experience. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, there’s a perfect food match for every type of coffee. So, on this International Coffee Day, take a moment to experiment with different pairings and discover new flavors that enhance the joy of your morning brew.
Food
Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet
Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.
Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult.
Good Protein Source
Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats.
Strengthens Heart Health
Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes.
Increases Brain Activity
Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain.
Strengthens bones
You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones.
Contains selenium
Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function.
An aphrodisiac
The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.
Makes the blood flow faster
Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process.
Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.
Food
The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden
A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well.
Words By : Goutham Satheesh
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