| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 3g | 0.5g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 6g | 1.2g |
If I were to characterize my culinary journey, it would resemble a collection of seaside holiday memories, filled with hearty laughter, shared tales, and most importantly, an abundance of delightful seafood. Yet, among all the delicacies I’ve crafted, there’s a certain non-seafood dish that holds a precious spot in my heart – the Shepherd’s Purse Soup. This recipe, with its rich blend of comfort and health, is the perfect bowl of warmth that I frequently turn to, especially during the frosty Maine winter nights. Shared below is why I absolutely adore this vegetable-based recipe.
The Story Behind Each Ingredient
What makes the Shepherd’s Purse Soup outstanding is its unique blend of ingredients. It is not every day that you find a recipe that effortlessly fuses the strong greens of the Shepherd’s Purse leaves and the earthy undertones of onions with the sweetness of fresh fruits, all harmonized with the comforting familiarity of chicken broth. Each spoonful brings memories of my earliest culinary experiments and the playful battles over ingredients with my daughters, Erin and Samantha. No doubt, this garden soup carries the essence of home and love in every sip.
Nutrition Meets Flavor
Of course, the Shepherd’s Purse Soup is not only about the heartwarming story behind its creation. It’s also a veritable treasure trove of nutrition. From the potent antioxidant properties of garlicsource to the immune-boosting qualities of citrus fruitssource, every ingredient contributes to making this soup a healthy option. Plus, the added honey brings in a hint of natural sweetness while also touting numerous health benefitssource.
A Symphony of Cuisine
Influenced by my seafood background, I’ve discovered several classic New England foods that pair wonderfully with this soup. For instance, the savory taste of a lobster roll or the creamy texture of clam chowder can complement the unique flavor profile of the Shepherd’s Purse Soup. It’s similar to a minestrone, but with a unique spin and a delightful sweetness from the fruits. Whether it’s served as a starter or a main dish, I can assure you that this recipe will quickly become a family favorite, just like it has in my household.
To conclude, the Shepherd’s Purse Soup isn’t just a mixture of ingredients to me; it’s a culinary symbol of my journey, my love for food, creativity, and the precious bond I share with my family. A soup that brings health benefits, comfort, and a smile on my face, every time I cook it. Try it for yourself to see why I have such a special place in my heart for this soup.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Shepherd’s Purse leaves, washed and chopped
- 8 cups of Chicken broth
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 cup of mixed fresh fruits (such as apples, pears, and bananas), chopped
- 1 tablespoon of Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of Black pepper
- 1 cup of cooked white Rice
- 1 tablespoon of Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon
- Fresh mint leaves for garnishing
Method
Step One
Start by washing and chopping all your ingredients including the Shepherd’s Purse leaves, fresh fruits, and onion. Mince the garlic and keep all these ingredients aside for later use.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
Step Three
Pour in the chicken broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step Four
Add the Shepherd’s Purse leaves into the pot. Stir well and let it cook for another 10 minutes until the leaves become soft.
Step Five
Next, add in the chopped fresh fruits, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Six
At this point, stir in the cooked white rice, lemon juice, honey, and cinnamon. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until all the flavors have blended together.
Step Seven
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Step Eight
Finally, serve the Shepherd’s Purse Soup warm, either as a main or side dish. You can garnish it with fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch. Enjoy your meal!
