Broccoli Soup

There are lots of people who do not like broccoli. But somehow, I like it!

Hmm... If you want to know more on Broccoli, Check the wikipedia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broccoli

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli's noteworthy nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. Research shows that apart from building bones Calcium may play a role in the control of high blood pressure, and it may work to prevent colon cancer. Beta-carotene and vitamin C are important antioxidants that have been linked to a reduced risk of numerous conditions, including cataracts, heart disease, and several cancers.

Broccoli is a fiber find. Not only is it a rich source, but half of its fiber is insoluble and half is soluble, helping to meet your needs for both types of fiber. Broccoli provides a health bonus in the form of protective substances that may shield you from disease. Botanically, broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, collectively known as cruciferous vegetables. Health organizations have singled out cruciferous vegetables as must-have foods, recommending we eat them several times a week. Why? They are linked to lower rates of cancer. Like all cruciferous vegetables, broccoli naturally contains two important phytochemicals -- indoles and isothiocyanates. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore isolated from broccoli an isothiocyanate, called sulforaphane, that increases the activity of a group of enzymes in our bodies that squelch cancer-causing agents


Nutritional Values of Fresh and Cooked Broccoli
Serving Size: 1/2 cup chopped
Calories 27
Fat <1>

Ingredients:
500 gms Broccoli
1 medium sized Onion
4 cloves Garlic
2 inches Celery Stalk
4 cups Stock or water
1 Cup Low fat milk
Salt to taste
White pepper powder to taste

Method

Cut broccoli into small florets and wash well. Soak in salt water for ten to fifteen minutes and drain. Peel and roughly chop onion and garlic. Wash and chop celery stalk.Dry roast almonds on medium heat till almond skin changes its colour slightly. Remove from heat, cool it and slice them into slivers. Heat vegetable stock or water with chopped onion, garlic and celery. Bring to a boil. Add broccoli florets and continue to cook without covering the pan. Cook for five to seven minutes or till broccoli is tender. Remove from fire, cool and puree it in a blender. Add milk to pureed broccoli and mix well. Bring to a boil again. Add salt and white pepper powder to taste. stir in toasted almond slivers and serve hot.

You can also keep a few broccoli florets aside before you puree and add it later whie you add the toasted almond silvers. That way you can also get something to eat as well. Actually I like to add the florets and eat them along with the soup.

Mushroom Soup

This is a soup for mushroom lovers. Mushrooms are low in calories and have a good protein content.

Ingredients:

200 grams fresh button mushrooms
1 choppes onion
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Chop the mushrooms. Heat olive oil and fry the mushrooms and onion for 1 minute. Add 4 teacups of water and put to cook. When cooked, blend in a liquidizer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve Hot.

If you dont munt the pieces, you can avoid blending and have the soup as is.

Carrot Soup

Carrots have a large amount of carotene which helps to form Vitamin A. The soup is enriched with milk and dal to increase the protein content.

Ingredients:
400 grams carrots
1 onion
1 tablespoon moong dal
1 teacup skim milk
Salt and pepper to paste

Method:
Cut the carrots and onion into big pieces. Add 3 teacups of water and the moong dal and cook in a pressure cooker. When cooked, blend in a liquidizer and strain(Straining is not a must). Heat the milk and add to the soup. Mix well. Add salt and pepper and boil for 1 minutes. Serve Hot

GM Diet - Wonder Soup

This is a soup suggested while you do the GM Diet. It is called wonder soup or cabbage soup etc. Cabbage is supposed to help loose weight. But apart from all that drinking lots of soup helps in different ways - Increases your fluid intake, helps you eact more vegetables and off course reduces your hunger.

4 cups of Water
6 Large Onions
2 Green Peppers
Whole Tomatoes (preferably fresh)
1 Head Cabbage
1 Bunch Celery
4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix(You can use Maggi tastemaker instead - Use 2 sachets)
Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Bring the water to boil. add all the ingredients. Cook for 10-15 minutes in a closed vessel. Your soup is ready to be tasted and enjoyed to your hearts content.

Note:
Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, celery etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, mushroom etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.
You can consume this soup in unlimited quantities.