Saturday, January 15, 2011
LOVELY, COMFORTING, LOW-FAT BARLEY & SQUASH SOUP (WITH SOME OPTIONS)
I haven't been doing much in the way of interesting cooking lately, as life has been a bit helter-skelter due to my mother's illness. I have alot of things I want to experiment with, but it's just not going to happen right now, so I'm making quick or slow-cook
ing favorites. Soup is a life-saver these days. The following soup is my "go-to" when I want something really hearty and filling, but quick to make and low in fat. We'll probably have leftovers for dinner when we get off the ferry tonight from being with my mom in Courtenay.One thing good about this time is that I have to slow down on certain things, and do some reflection. This has led me to take care of some parts of me that have been neglected. I've started dancing with my dance sisters, Gillian and Bronwyn, once a week again (and vowed to do some by myself, too!)-- good for the spirit and the body. We're eating simply, which is what we need after the Christmas season. I've also started up a new cooking journal like I used to keep (read about those here), with a brand new red and black volume of blank lined pages-- you know, there's something satisfying about putting pen to paper sometimes, rather than using the computer. I'm enjoying sitting down and reading randomly from the old ones.
BRYANNA’S BARLEY AND WINTER SQUASH CHOWDER (WITH SOME OPTIONS)
Serves 6
This is a lovely, homey soup for fall and winter.
5 cups vegetarian broth-- my favorite is Better Than Bouillon Vegetable or No-Chicken vegan broth base
1 pound winter squash (such as butternut), peeled and seeded and cut into 3/4" cubes (If you have no squash, you can use peeled sweet potato.)
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups reconstituted Soy Curls®
(See here for info; or use commercial or homemade vegan “chicken strips” or "shreds"; or slivers of smoked or baked tofu, or "chicken"-style seitan.
(See here for info; or use commercial or homemade vegan “chicken strips” or "shreds"; or slivers of smoked or baked tofu, or "chicken"-style seitan.
3/4 cup pearl barley
8 ounces red potato, diced (Instead of the potato, I sometimes use 1/4 cup of split red lentil.)
1/4 cup chopped celery leaves and tops
1 tablespoon vegan bacon bits
(or use smoked salt or a little liquid smoke)
(or use smoked salt or a little liquid smoke)
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried savory
1 1/2 to 2 cups non-dairy milk (I use creamy soy milk-- a non-sweet vegan creamer could also be used, OR any non-dairy milk blended smooth with some soft-medium or silken tofu to thicken.)
salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
Place the broth, onion, squash, chicken substitute or tofu, barley, potato, celery, soy bacon bits (or liquid smoke), bay leaf, thyme, and savory into a soup pot and bring to a boil. Turn down to low heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the milk and taste for salt and pepper. Sprinkle each serving with chopped parsley, if you like. NOTE: If the soup is too thick, or gets too thick when cooled, just add a bit more broth until it is the consistency you like.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition (per serving): 236.1 calories; 8% calories from fat; 2.2g total fat; 0.0mg cholesterol; 86.8mg sodium; 659.4mg potassium; 47.8g carbohydrates; 8.7g fiber; 4.1g sugar; 9.0g protein.
Enjoy!
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7 comments:
This soup is something I'm definitely making. It sounds like a meal that will give you a lot energy.
I want to let you know that you, your mom and family are prayed for.
I've got a butternut squash that needs to be used and this soup is inspiring, exactly what I'm in the mood for these days - rich, warming comfort foods. Best wishes to you, your mom and your family.
Beautiful soup! It's nice to have comforting foods.
I wish you all the best to you and your family.
Lovely; comforting;low fat; delicious; TRUTH
Made this and it was great!
This was so tasty! Do you mind if I post it on our family's blog, greenereating.com?
Glad you enjoyed it, Rebekah! I'd be honored!
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