It is said that garlic is probably nature’s most potent food with wondrous magical benefits to the body (who needs a fairy godmother!). It is known to be one of the reasons why people who eat a Mediterranean diet live such long and healthy lives.
If you’ve had one of those days or weeks where you feel run down or need a pick me up after suffering from a cold why not tuck into a hearty and easy to make soup with simple store cupboard ingredients, without a heavy price tag!
Serves 2 hearty bowls
Shopping list:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large bay leaf
4 large sprigs of wild garlic, thinly sliced
1 ½ teaspoons sweet or spicy paprika
pinch dry roasted cumin
1 ½ tablespoons dried parsley
1 large egg
8 thin slices of a stale baguette, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sweetened bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 litre of water
Method:
In a large non-stick pan heat the olive oil over a medium to high heat.
Once the oil has warmed up and formed little ripples add the bay leaf and garlic, continuously stir to avoid burning.
After 2 minutes, add the salt, paprika, roasted cumin and dried parsley. Stir well and reduce the heat to a slow medium and cover with the lid.
After 3-4 minutes pour in the water and allow to simmer until it begins to boil. (about 15-20 minutes)
Once the garlicky stock begins to boil, add in the stale bread and sweetened bell pepper, increase the heat to a medium-high and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk the egg vigorously for about 1 minute.
Anisha Fernandez 