Begin with something to make the soup base. The way I prefer to do this is with chopped onions and a little garlic. Fry these gently in a small amount of vegetable oil until they are soft and golden. Then add the chopped vegetables you are going to use in this week’s super soup. This can be anything at all – although watery things like lettuce and cucumber are not so good in this kind of soup (but can be fine in lighter summer soups). Remember that what you choose will affect the look of the eventual soup. Carrot makes most things orange, or brown if with something green. Some people like brown soup. Potato will thicken most things but other vegetables will have a similar affect, like sweet potatoes, squash or similar. Stir the chopped vegetables around a bit. Consider the seasoning options. Ground turmeric is nice and goes well with some ginger to make a warming soup that is bright and encouraging. Ground coriander also goes well, and fresh coriander can add a green finish to a soup if you add it at the end. Cumin seeds or ground cumin give a lovely flavour but experiment with things a bit and see what you like. This can be fun but bear in mind that not all members of your community will agree. Add vegetable stock or water and simmer for 20 minutes or so until the vegetables are soft but not soggy. I usually use a blender to finish the soup because I like a thick velvety texture. Some prefer not to do this or to leave some chunks in for guessing games.
I have been performing this litany once a week since October. Due to the cost of living crisis we can get free vegetables from supermarkets who can’t sell all their vegetables. With these free vegetables we can make free soup to serve people who can’t afford to buy vegetables. We serve it at a small village church that is heated by the giving of people who can only just about afford to keep warm to people who can’t afford to turn on their heating. Some people call this progress. Others call it charity. I call it a disgrace.
But I’m loathe to waste good vegetables or have people go cold and hungry. Unfortunately Benedict doesn’t really do this kind of politics in his Rule. He does commend kitchen service (Chapter 35).
From my remembered bible: Hurry up and help us God!
Soup makers creed:
I believe in God, creator, ingredients maker of all things heavenly and earthy,
And in Jesus Christ, food multiplyer, crowd feeder,
Born of the homemaker Mary of Nazareth, getting by on the basics.
This soup was made with love and free vegetables.
Janet Lees, Living in Longdendale, 03.02.2023