Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

On busy days when you find yourself longing for a quick meal, this tomato basil soup recipe is the answer. Fresh basil will lend a savory flavoring to this tomato-based recipe. In general, anything tomato benefits from the addition of a few leaves of basil. 

To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 5 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped (alternatively, you may use 3 large cans of peeled plum tomatoes)
• 1 cup of fresh sweet basil leaves, julienned
• 5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper

Here’s how: 

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté garlic. Add the tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes. Add basil leaves and chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or cold with your favorite bread. 

** Love vegan soup? This book has simple versions of 30 Italian soups that will always be vegan.

Can Apples Prevent Asthma?

Maintaining the an-apple-a-day habit is beneficial in many ways. Apples have been proven to protect people from cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. But did you know that apples can boost your lungs, too? 

Studies done in Singapore, Europe and North America have all pointed to a powerful antioxidant in apples which helps keep lungs strong and healthy. This antioxidant is known as quercetin. This phytochemical works by reducing inflammation in the airways, resulting to less wheezing and asthma.

Image by Rebekka D from Pixabay 

Quercetin is also found in onions. A research that observed men and women who consumed apples and onions regularly revealed that these people had less wheezing, asthma and bronchitis. Researchers now believe that even pregnant women who eat apples regularly may be able to protect their babies from developing asthma in childhood. 

It’s never too late to start eating apples on a regular basis. Older people who suffer from chronic, congested cough find that daily consumption of apples prevent them from developing emphysema later on. Experts believe that the antioxidants in apples repair damaged lung tissues.

So, as soon as symptoms of coughing and wheezing become apparent, eat apples. Remember to eat the whole apple and its skin. Apple peels are high in fiber and antioxidants. Wash the apple well before eating it to remove dirt and pesticides. 

Easy and Healthy Chickpea Puree

Chickpea is an Asiatic legume that derives its queer name from a phonetic adaptation of the original Latin Cicer and the French pois chiche. It does not have anything to do with young chickens at all! Chickpeas grow one or two to the pod and make a valuable source of calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorous, and protein. In dry form, chickpeas must be soaked in water overnight and then simmered for 3 hours, or until tender, before serving.

Image by djpresc16 from Pixabay 

Many dishes call for these cheap and nutritious legume, but the most popular of them all is probably the hummus or the chickpea puree. Here is a simple recipe for a version of the Middle Eastern hummus which you can use as zestful dip for bread or crackers (though you may end up eating it by the spoonful):

EASY CHICKPEA PUREE (HUMMUS)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked and cooked
• 1/2 cup pure olive oil or sesame seed oil
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup roasted sesame tahini

Preparation:  Into a blender, put all ingredients except the chickpeas. Blend well. Slowly add the cooked chickpeas and blend until it becomes a smooth paste. If too thick, add a little water. If you have no blender, mash the chickpeas thoroughly and mix in the other ingredients until they arrive at a pasty consistency. Garnish with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Serve cold with flatbread or crackers.

More recipes from The Tahini Table: Go Beyond Hummus with 100 Recipes for Every Meal and in Between