It's almost fall here in the desert southwest and we're super excited for the new season and all that it brings, especially nutritious soups!
At this time of the year, we are focused on getting the vegetable garden ready for cold weather crops. This includes clearing out the summer garden, and shift to different garden plantings. I just direct sowed some seeds in the raised beds today, arugula, beets, bunching onions and spinach. Staying healthy includes eating real food and there's nothing more satisfying than enjoying the food you've grown yourself! Since we're clearing out for the new season, we decided to include a fridge clear out for a perfectly clean slate to enter the fall - and to add to the garden fixings for a full and delicious meal.
Here's my favorite, simple soup from my Grandma's recipe book >>>recipe here.
Once you've harvested what's available in your garden, browse through your fridge and cabinets to see what you have available to use. Soup or fried rice is the easiest way that we know of to make use of anything that needs cleaning out whilst providing lots of immune-boosting benefits in one simple dish. Let's ignite that proverbial fire and whip up a quick and easy soup that will impress everyone!
For a quick and easy soup recipes that can be ready to enjoy in less than an hour:
1. Choose your aromatics; onions of any type (sweet onions, scallions, shallots) and garlic.
2. Grab whatever other items you have in your fridge that you'd like to get rid of; vegetables, rice, beans, etc.
3. Dice the aromatics and any other vegetables that you plan to use.
4. Saute onions and garlic for a few minutes. Then add the other raw, diced vegetables that you have ready. Add harder vegetables, like carrots, celery, and raw potatoes first. Include softer veggies, like mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers after the harder veggies have cooked for 8-10 minutes. Cook over low-medium heat until all of the veggies are tender.
5. Add stock or water. How much depends on how much soup you're making.
6. Season your soup with salt, pepper, and other available spices. We enjoy using parsley, chives, chili powder, and a dash of all-spice. Occasionally a splash of hot sauce or chili oil adds a favorable flavor too.
6. Lastly, add cooked rice, noodles, or beans and simmer until all ingredients are warm. Take a taste and adjust accordingly - adding more water or spices as needed.
7. Serve with bread, toast, or crackers and enjoy!
Clearing out the old helps us heal and renew. Just as healthy skin helps set the foundation for your overall health, healthy soil is the key to a beautiful and abundant garden, and healthy food leads to a healthy digestive and immune systems... You get the picture. Whether we're talking about your garden, your refrigerator/cabinets, a thorough cleaning helps us prepare for the new (much anticipated) season ahead.
When it comes to gardening, there are several methods to consider. If you plan to follow the till method, make sure you remove everything. This includes any produce, plants, roots, mulch, and, of course, weeds. Clear all plants out of your garden, except for things you may be overwintering like spinach, scallions, garlic, or perennials.
Alternatively, you may prefer the no-till method, cut the tops off of all the plants and either dispose of them, or add them to your compost. Then, pull and dispose of all the weeds. Finally, cover the surface of your garden with a fine mulch or compost. This will help the soil to breathe, rest, and rejuvenate until your next planting. Following these steps will ensure a healthy, happy start for whatever you intend to plant next.
I hope you are enjoying the shift in the seasons and are ready for soup season too.
Keep it real, Christine
MORE QUICK AND EASY SOUP RECIPES
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