Smoky Eggplant Soup
Description:
The Smoky Eggplant Soup is a hearty and nutritious vegetarian dish that brings out the deep, smoky flavor of roasted aubergine. By roasting the eggplant until tender and blending it into a smooth, creamy paste, you create a soup that is both comforting and aromatic. Enhanced with vegetable stock, roasted cumin powder, and a pinch of black pepper, this soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly winter day. Garnished with toasted almonds for a crunchy texture, this recipe offers a delightful, wholesome starter that is both satisfying and delicious.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Aubergine (Eggplant) | 1 medium-sized |
| Vegetable stock | 2 cups |
| Black pepper powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon + to taste |
| Whole almonds (Badam) | 2 teaspoons (for garnish) |
| Oil | As needed for roasting |
Preparation Time:
0 mins (Roasting is done in the oven, requiring minimal hands-on time)
Cooking Time:
45 mins
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Allow it to heat for about 10 minutes. -
Prepare the Aubergine (Eggplant):
Use a fork to poke several holes in the aubergine. This helps the heat circulate and cook the eggplant evenly. Drizzle a little oil over the surface of the aubergine, then sprinkle with salt to enhance the flavor. -
Roast the Aubergine:
Place the prepared aubergine on a baking tray. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, roast the eggplant for about 25 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. The aubergine should become soft and the skin slightly charred. -
Cool and Peel the Aubergine:
Once the eggplant is roasted, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool for about 20 minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, peel away the skin and discard the seeds, retaining only the soft flesh of the eggplant. -
Blend the Roasted Aubergine:
Transfer the roasted aubergine flesh into a hand blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps left. -
Prepare the Soup Base:
Pour the vegetable stock into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the blended eggplant to the stock, stirring to combine. -
Season the Soup:
Season with black pepper powder, cumin powder, and salt to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the soup has reached a boil, turn off the heat. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted whole almonds for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve this smoky and creamy eggplant soup as a comforting appetizer, ideally paired with whole wheat stuffed bread sticks for a wholesome breakfast or light meal. The crunchy toasted almonds on top will add a lovely contrast to the smooth soup, making each spoonful a delightful experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
| Potassium | ~500mg |
Tips for a Perfect Smoky Eggplant Soup:
- Roasting Tip: For an even deeper smoky flavor, you can also roast the aubergine directly over an open flame or on a grill, allowing the skin to char slightly before baking in the oven. This adds an extra layer of smokiness.
- Make it Creamier: If you prefer a richer texture, feel free to add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the soup after blending the aubergine. This will enhance the creamy consistency.
- Vegan Option: For a fully vegan version, ensure the vegetable stock is plant-based, and avoid adding dairy cream in the soup.
- Garnishing Ideas: Besides almonds, you can experiment with other nuts like pine nuts or sunflower seeds, or add fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
This Smoky Eggplant Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish, perfect for any cold evening. The combination of roasted eggplant, aromatic spices, and crunchy almonds makes it a comforting and satisfying appetizer or light meal. Enjoy the richness of this classic Continental soup!
