Celestial Vegetable Soup

Celestial Vegetable Soup Recipe from Pakistan with Mushrooms, Capsicum, Carrot, and More

Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Celestial Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavors, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

The origins of Celestial Vegetable Soup are not clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Chinese vegetable soups. This recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to create a unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

8 – 10 button mushrooms
1 medium capsicum
1 medium carrot
2 tbsp sweet corn niblets
0.5 cup green peas
0.5 tsp crushed red chillies
1 pinch of sugar
salt to taste
1 egg white
2 tbsp corn flour
1 tsp oil
3 cups vegetable stock or water

How to prepare

Wash and cut the mushrooms into quarters.
Peel and cut the carrots into quarter-inch pieces.
Wash the capsicum, halve it, deseed it, and cut it into quarter-inch pieces.
Set aside a small amount for garnish.
Boil the carrots and green peas in vegetable stock or water. Set them aside.
Dissolve the corn flour in half a cup of water.
Lightly beat the egg white and set it aside.
Heat oil in a pan, add the mushroom pieces, and sauté them. Then, add the capsicum pieces and sauté them as well.
Add the boiled carrot pieces, corn niblets, and vegetable stock or water. Mix them together.
Add salt, sugar, and crushed red chillies.
Add the (frozen) green peas and mix everything together.
When the mixture begins to boil, add the corn flour dissolved in water and mix well.
Finally, add the beaten egg white, stir lightly, and serve hot. Garnish with the chopped capsicum.

Variations

Add tofu or chicken for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or water chestnuts for variety.
Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil for an Asian twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Sautéing the mushrooms and capsicum before adding the other ingredients helps to enhance their flavors.

- Adding a pinch of sugar helps to balance out the flavors of the soup.

- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should be slightly crunchy for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Celestial Vegetable Soup can be served as a light appetizer or as a main dish with a side of bread or salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the liquid helps to develop their flavors.

- Dissolving the corn flour in water before adding it to the soup helps to prevent lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Cornstarch can be used in place of corn flour.

Make Ahead Tips

Celestial Vegetable Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of sesame oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Celestial Vegetable Soup pairs well with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Celestial Vegetable Soup contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Celestial Vegetable Soup is a low-carb dish, with approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This soup is low in fat, with only 2 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of Celestial Vegetable Soup contains about 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the various vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and corn flour, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Celestial Vegetable Soup is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and fat, while still providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Celestial Vegetable Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavors, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Celestial Vegetable Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished browsing through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the back of my pantry. As I flipped through the pages, a faded, hand-written recipe caught my eye. It was titled "Celestial Vegetable Soup," and the ingredients listed were unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Intrigued, I decided to give the recipe a try. I gathered the ingredients - a colorful array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a few unique spices that I had never used before. As I chopped and diced, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing scents of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. I could already tell that this soup was going to be something special.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some were passed down from my own mother, others were shared by friends and neighbors. Each recipe was a piece of someone else's story, a glimpse into their world and their traditions.

But this recipe for Celestial Vegetable Soup felt different. It was like a gift from the universe, a secret whispered to me from the stars themselves. I knew that this soup was going to be more than just a meal - it was going to be an experience.

As I ladled the steaming soup into bowls, the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas filled the room. I took a hesitant sip, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as the warm broth touched my lips, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly magical. The flavors danced on my tongue, each bite a symphony of tastes and textures.

I couldn't wait to share this soup with my family and friends. I invited them over for a cozy dinner, serving up steaming bowls of Celestial Vegetable Soup with crusty bread and a side of laughter and love. As they savored each spoonful, their eyes lit up with delight. I knew that this recipe was a keeper, a treasure that I would cherish for years to come.

And so, I continued to make Celestial Vegetable Soup whenever I needed a little bit of magic in my life. Each time I cooked up a batch, I felt a connection to the cosmos, a reminder that we are all connected in this vast and wondrous universe. This soup became more than just a recipe - it became a symbol of hope, of joy, of the infinite possibilities that lay before us.

As I look back on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Celestial Vegetable Soup, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes that have shaped my life. Each one has its own story to tell, its own flavors to savor. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that spans generations, a legacy of love and nourishment that will never fade.

So here's to Celestial Vegetable Soup, a recipe that has brought me so much joy and inspiration. May it continue to warm hearts and souls for years to come, a celestial gift from the universe to us all.