Moringa, often hailed as a "miracle tree," is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritional powerhouse. This incredible ingredient is surprisingly versatile, and today we're exploring its potential in a delicious and surprisingly simple soup. Forget bland and boring vegetable broths; this recipe elevates moringa's earthy flavor profile into a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner. The unique taste is subtly nutty and slightly bitter, beautifully balanced by other complementary ingredients for a truly satisfying experience.
This vibrant green soup is not only incredibly nutritious but also incredibly easy to make. Ready to discover the secrets to this superfood soup and unlock the amazing health benefits it offers? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through creating this delicious and healthy Moringa soup.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Sieve
- Mixer jar
Ingredients
- Horse gram
- Tomatoes
- Ginger
- Garlic: Optional
- Onion: Optional
- Water: About a glass
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder
- Ghee (clarified butter): 1 teaspoon
- Lemon: Optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Horse Gram
- Clean the horse gram thoroughly. Remove the outer peel and cut it into small pieces. (You can skip peeling if preferred).
- Heat water in a pot. Add chopped tomatoes, horse gram, and ginger. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Continue cooking until the horse gram softens (about another 5 minutes). Do not add salt yet.
- Turn off the heat. Strain the cooked horse gram, reserving the cooking liquid. Set aside to cool.
Step 2. Blend and Strain the Soup Base
- Blend the cooled horse gram, tomatoes, and ginger in a mixer jar with about 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
- Strain the blended mixture through a sieve to create a smooth soup, pressing with a spoon.
Step 3. Sauté and Simmer
- Heat ghee in a pan. Sauté grated ginger (and garlic, if using) until fragrant.
- Add the strained soup to the pan. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and chili powder to taste.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Read more: Easy Beef Stew Recipe: Delicious & Simple Indian-Spiced Stew
Tips
- Moringa is a nutritious superfood, rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins.
- You can also make bhujia (fried snacks) from the horse gram.
- Feel free to add garlic and onion to the soup if you like.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-250
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbs: 25-30g
- Protein: 8-10g
FAQs
1. Where can I buy moringa leaves?
Moringa leaves can be found at many health food stores, some specialty grocery stores, and online retailers. You may also find them at farmers' markets, depending on your location.
2. Can I use dried moringa leaves instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just use about 1/3 the amount of dried leaves compared to fresh. Dried moringa leaves need to be rehydrated before adding to the soup.
3. What if I don't like the slightly bitter taste of moringa?
Adding ingredients like coconut milk, ginger, or lemon juice can help balance the bitterness and enhance the overall flavor of the soup. Experiment with different spices to find your perfect balance!
This simple yet nutritious Moringa soup is a delicious way to incorporate this superfood into your diet. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and the knowledge that you're nourishing your body with essential vitamins and minerals. So go ahead, try this recipe and experience the delightful taste of healthy eating!