The weather is much cooler. Even though the days are hot and humid, the sun does often take refuge behind the clouds to give us some much needed relief. The promise of winter is around the corner. Cooler weathers followed by harsher chills. But, whenever I think about the seasons, I prefer the winters. I can do much more, even though the days are shorter and the sun sometimes takes a hike for days. Those are days when cooking is a pleasure. The warmth of the kitchen is inviting and welcome. Winter is also the season for body and heart warming soups. In anticipation; I have started experimenting with all the flavours I may not be able to recreate then. Mint is one of my favorite flavours, but it is only available during the summers. So I decide to create a delicious soup in combination with one of the most loved flavours of all times, tomatoes!
Delicious and healthy, this is one fruit that is never out of season. Yes, tomato is a fruit, but we are wise enough to not add it to a fruit salad. It has a delicious flavour of its own, and a combination with mint brings out the best in both. Served warm or cold, this is a soup that will always give peace and joy to your body and soul.
Tomato Mint Soup :
Notes :
• Tossing the penne in olive oil will prevent it from sticking together.
• Wash and clean the mint leaves. Add the stems if you want more of the minty flavour.
Tomatoes 6 (roughly chopped)
Onion 1 (roughly chopped)
Ginger ½” (grated)
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Mint leaves A bunch
French beans 7 – 8 (chopped finely)
Sweet corn ½ cup
Wheat penne ½ cup
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot water 2 – 3 cups
• Heat water in a vessel and cook the penne al-dente. Add in the French beans and sweet corn to partially cook them. Wash under cold water to stop the cooking, toss in some olive oil and set aside.
• Sautee the onions in the olive oil till translucent. Add the grated ginger and cook for 1 – 2 minutes.
• Add in the tomatoes and let cook till they become soft.
• Add in 1 cup of hot water and bring to boil.
• Remove from heat and churn in a mixer along with the mint leaves.
• Put it back on the heat and add in the remaining water. Bring to a boil.
• Add in the wheat penne, French beans and sweet corn and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Serve hot with garlic bread.
Serves : 4 – 5.
Enjoy ! ! !