Now the weather is turning, boosting our immune system is more essential than ever, with all the nasty viruses gaining momentum. The easiest way to get nutrients in our bodies is to eat soup. If your body can digest them, then always start with garlic and onions.
Garlic is scientifically proven to help reduce cholesterol and could even lift moods and improve depression. Onions are packed with vitamin C and B6 as well as potent plant compounds recognised for centuries for treating everything from headaches to mouth ulcers. To capture these nutrients, rather than fry in oil, add a tablespoon of water at a time, pre-mixed in vegetable bullion, and wet fry them until they release their juices. You can do this with all the vegetables in your soups.
This noodle soup recipe is delicious as it is but if you’re feeding a carnivore, throw in some VBites hoisin duck and see if they can tell it’s vegan.
You will need:
Packet of rice noodles (especially useful for gluten intolerance)
Several of your favourite mushrooms (containing protein, fibre and B vitamins)
2 whole jalapenos (rich in vitamins A and C, K and carotene)
4 spring onion stalks (for vitamins A, C and folate)
Handful of chopped fresh coriander (rich in vitamins C and K)
Lemon grass cut 2in, slightly crushed to release the juices
Five kaffir lime leaves (in southeast Asia they chew it to help bad breath)
One can of coconut milk
2tsp of maple syrup
1tsp of Himalayan salt
1tbsp of vegetable bullion
3tbsp tamarind (full of polyphenols, a great antioxidant/anti-inflammatory)
3 cups of water
2tbsp of chilli paste
1. Add 1/2 the coconut milk to the already cooked onions and garlic, then add lemongrass, lime leaves, syrup, salt, bouillon, tamarind and heat gently.
2. Once cooked, add the rest of coconut milk, sliced jalapenos, mushrooms, chilli paste, spring onions and coriander. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve over the cooked rice noodles and garnish with coriander