| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 187 | 12g | 2g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 4g | 0.5g |
Texas may be known for its hearty fare, but today I’m veering from my typical Southern-based recipes and guiding you on an international culinary trip. Right here, from the heart of Texas, I present to you a novel addition to your cooking repertoire – the Spiced Lesser Calamint and Tomato Soup. Just the alluring aroma of spices gently wafting through your kitchen is enough to make you fall in love!
Introducing a Fusion Feast
Why do I love this Spiced Lesser Calamint and Tomato Soup? I’ve always adored the way wholesome ingredients can be transformed through cooking, and this soup is the epitome of such culinary alchemy. When you combine ripe tomatoes with potent spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes, you get this delightfully vibrant soup that dances on your taste buds.
Brimming with flavor, this recipe also incorporates lesser calamint – a lesser-known herb with a fascinatingly intense flavor profile. The vibrant soup is then balanced with fresh fruit, like apple, pear, or grapes. The sweetness of the fruit combined with the warmth of the spices is a blend that will leave you craving for more.
The Healthy Side of Good Taste
This recipe isn’t just about rich flavors – it’s brimming with an array of health benefits too. The spices are renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric, for example, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, while cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. Tomatoes are filled with vitamin C and antioxidants. Plus, the added fruit provides a welcome boost of vitamins and fiber. In fact, this soup could easily be the star of any healthy eating plan.
The soup, all in all, is a symphony of flavor and health. It’s akin to the vibrant, rustic soups traditional to Mediterranean cuisine, specifically the tomato and turmeric soup dominant in Greek cuisine. The fusion of fruit in the soup adds a fresh twist and can pique the interest of even the pickiest eaters.
Pair the Spiced Lesser Calamint and Tomato Soup with a robust grilled cheese sandwich and you have possibly the most comforting meal ever. So, let’s step out of the comfort zone, adapt new flavors, and broaden our culinary horizons. After all, they say variety is the spice of life!
What You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped lesser calamint
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped fresh fruit (such as apple, pear, or grapes)
Method
Step One
Start by heating up the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step Two
Add the finely chopped large onion and minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook them until they become soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, stir in the finely chopped lesser calamint, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the spices are well mixed with the onion and garlic and are fragrant.
Step Four
Add the 2 pounds of chopped ripe tomatoes to the pot and stir well to combine it with the spiced onion mixture.
Step Five
Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Step Six
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your taste, then cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step Seven
After the soup has cooked, use a blender or hand-held immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth.
Step Eight
Finally, stir in the 1 cup of chopped fresh fruit just before serving. Enjoy your Spiced Lesser Calamint and Tomato Soup!
