| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 8g | 1.3g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 9g | 12g | 0.75g |
When it comes to my Koseret Vegetable Soup, it’s a reflection of the convergence between my Southern roots and West African heritage. This recipe excites me because it embodies the Afro-Southern fusion I’m so passionate about. With it, I bring to life the spice of Nigeria and the homeliness of Atlanta in a refreshing and invigorating blend.
The Origin of the Flavor
Starting with the key ingredient, Koseret, a herb widely used in Ethiopian cuisine, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of African food. Used primarily as a flavor enhancer, its slightly bitter taste adds a unique depth to dishes. Its inclusion in this recipe brings us closer to the roots of Afro-infused cooking. Much like the flavorful Yassa or the spicy Jollof Rice, my Koseret Vegetable Soup embraces the same African spirit.
A Symphony of Health Benefits
Aside from its tantalizing flavor, this recipe is packed full of health benefits. The use of chickpeas introduces a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting a sense of fullness and aiding digestion. Fresh spinach adds a dose of iron, calcium, and vitamin K, while the turmeric and ginger are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
By adding lemon to the Koseret Vegetable Soup, it not only brightens up the flavor but provides a dose of vitamin C, which aids immunity, skin health, and iron absorption. The slew of vegetables ensures you’re getting a nutritious serving of vitamins and minerals with each hearty spoonful.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s warm, comforting, and nutrient-dense – much like its Southern counterpart, Vegetable Soup.
Perfect as a Standalone or a Side
The beauty of the Koseret Vegetable Soup is its versatility. This dish is hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own or perform beautifully as an accompaniment to dishes like Roasted Chicken or a simple Brown Rice dish. Its robust flavor profile and filling nature make it a marvel in terms of adaptability.
So, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or anything in between, this recipe faithfully brings the vibrancy of Africa and the hominess of the South right to your table.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon of koseret paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach
- 1 lemon, juiced
Method
Step One
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté these ingredients until the onion becomes translucent, usually about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step Two
Stir in the koseret paste, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Continue to sauté these ingredients, making sure they are well combined and that the spices are well distributed.
Step Three
Now, add in the carrot, bell pepper, and potatoes. Stir to combine, ensuring the vegetables are coated in the spice mixture. Cook this for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step Four
At this point, you can stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and chopped fresh spinach. Bring this soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together, and the vegetables to become tender.
Step Five
After the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, add in the lemon juice, then stir to combine.
Step Six
Doing a final taste test at this point will allow you to add any additional seasonings, if necessary. Once the soup is ready, it can be served immediately while hot, garnished with additional fresh spinach if you like. Enjoy your Koseret Vegetable Soup!
