Soup's On!

Soups are my favorite meal. Really, what other meal is so comforting? So forgiving of mistakes? So inviting of creativity?

Gazpacho
I earned the nickname "Miss Antioxidant" at work for my daily summer lunch of spicy gazpacho topped with chunks of creamy avocado and served with a side of blueberries. Gazpacho with fresh tomatoes is definitely my favorite soup. Please, spring, come early!

Winter soups
A thick, creamy soup is ideal for winter. In any recipe, I replace the cream/butter/milk with pureed potatoes or pureed cauliflowers. This works for just about any "cream of" soup, but my favorite is "cream of" spinach with freshly pressed raw garlic. A very hearty soup is pureed cauliflower, pureed potatoes, a dark, heavy beer, and cheddar, served with warm bread. Try pureeing black beans, simmering with an onion, celery, and a splash of hot sauce. Top with avocado, scallions, and sharp cheddar for a warm, filling meal. Roommate makes an incredible chicken tortilla soup, but I have yet to wheedle the recipe from her! Most of these ingredients are inexpensive; consider the pricier avocados an investment in your cardiac, skin, and hair health. While the price of avocados is best in the summer, my market's current price of 3 for $5 is reasonable.

Light vegetable soups
If you crave the satisfaction of a crunchy, salty soup, add baby bok choy to water and season with Bragg's. No need for stock. Toss in small pieces of tofu you have marinated in peppery olive oil for added flavor and protein. Add coconut milk and lemongrass for a Thai-inspired flavor. Or, try what I made tonight: celery, baby bok choy, onions, Bragg's, garlic-infused olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon. This newly-discovered blend of Bragg's, garlickly olive oil, and lemon is a keeper! (Bragg Liquid Aminos is a sort of soy sauce, available at some grocery stores and at most health food stores. Versatile stuff! Use in soups, salads, entrees, popcorn, etc.!)

Get creative with the classics
Don't forget classic soups like split pea, lentil, roasted corn, vegetable barley, and asparagus. Dried split peas and lentils are cheap, as is in-season corn. Don't be afraid to try new twists on old soups: try adding quinoa, chile peppers, hot sauce, and even a few spoonfuls of sweet pumpkin to mix it up.

Fruity soups
Finally, sample fruity soups in the summer. A small bowl of peach, watermelon, or strawberry soup is a sweet way to end a meal.

Strawberry Ginger soup.

Picture credit, picture credit.
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Tip/trick/lesson of the day: Store any cut avocados with the pit. For some reason, the pit delays spoilage and keeps the fruit from going brown. Also, lemon/lime juice will break down the avocado if you are having trouble mashing it. Drizzle on a small amount of lime juice, let sit for a few minutes, then try mashing.