A warm, nutritious soup with ginger, garlic, beans, carrot and capsicum. Tomato is optional for a slightly tangy flavour.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15–20 minutes Servings: 2
Ingredients
- ÂĽ cup French beans, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- ÂĽ cup capsicum, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped or grated
- 5–6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- ÂĽ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp oil or ghee
- 3 cups water or vegetable stock
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Method
1. Sauté ginger and garlic: Heat oil in a saucepan. Add cumin seeds, chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté on low heat until fragrant.
2. Add vegetables: Add beans, carrot and capsicum. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add tomato and spices: Add tomato, turmeric, black pepper and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Simmer the soup: Pour in 3 cups of water or vegetable stock. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the vegetables become tender.
5. Adjust the consistency: Keep it as a clear vegetable soup or blend a small portion to make it slightly thicker.
6. Garnish and serve: Add fresh coriander and lemon juice, if desired. Serve warm.
Health benefits
- Ginger and garlic: Add flavour and may help make a warm soup soothing.
- Carrot: Provides beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
- Beans and capsicum: Provide fibre and vitamins.
- Tomato: Adds vitamin C and a tangy flavour.
Tip: For a cough-friendly version, keep the black pepper mild and skip the green chilli. If tomato or lemon irritates your throat or causes acidity, leave them out. Warm soup may soothe symptoms, but it does not cure a cold.