Simple Vegetable Soup

I am no Julia Child, nor do I aspire to be....But I have recently been inspired to start my own food blog. I spend so much time researching recipes and browsing food blogs to inspire my cooking, but then I end up creating my own version anyways! I decided it was time to start my own blog to share my adventures in the kitchen. This blog is especially for those people interested in learning easy ways to integrate healthy vegetarian recipes based in the Ayurvedic tradition into their diets.

The first recipe of the blog, and of the New Year, is Simple Vegetable Soup. I call it "simple" because it is easy to make, and basic enough to be used for a stock when some of the denser ingredients are omitted. This soup is balancing for all doshic types (kapha, pitta, and vata). As the holiday season comes to a close, you may have been eating more white flour and refined sugar than is good for your body, and a warm vegetable soup full of fiber and herbs is a tasty way to get the nutrition your body needs back into your system. This makes a wonderfully filling and easy lunch once it is prepared.

Finally, one important Ayurvedic principle to consider is the freshness of the foods with which you are cooking. Choose the freshest herbs, spices, and vegetables and choose organic when possible. These foods are the most life sustaining and best for physical and mental health and balance.

Simple Vegetable Soup

1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
3 large carrots
4 stalks celery
1 cup red cabbage
1 green or red pepper
2 cinnamon sticks
5 peppercorns
10 cups water
fresh herbs to your taste (the fresher the better)
2 bay leaves

Combine all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker. If cooking on the stove top, bring soup to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. If you choose the slow cooker method, cook on high for one hour, then let simmer on low for 3 to 5 hours.

To reduce pitta, decrease the peppercorns as they are heating.

Eliminate the cabbage and green pepper to make a simple vegetable soup stock.