Spicy Creole Eggplant Tomato Soup

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €3.98 · €1.99/serving

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (heat gently over low flame to preserve its delicate flavor)Est. price €0.12–€0.25
• 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped (caramelize slowly for a deep, rich flavor)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• 3 medium celery stalks, finely diced (reserve some leaves for garnish)Est. price €0.45–€0.90
• 1 clove fresh garlic, minced (let sit for 10 minutes to maximize health benefits)Est. price €0.05–€0.12
• 1 1/2 tablespoons organic unbleached white flour (whisk into a smooth paste before adding to thicken)Est. price €0.03–€0.08
• 1 large or 2 medium eggplants (1 1/2 pounds total), peeled and finely diced (salt and drain to remove bitterness)Est. price €1.80–€3.50
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (rub between palms to release essential oils)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (crumble between fingers for a burst of fragrance)Est. price €0.04–€0.08
• 1 teaspoon high-quality curry powder, or more to taste (toast lightly in a dry pan to enhance flavors)Est. price €0.10–€0.20
• 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (add at the end for a burst of freshness)Est. price €0.15–€0.30

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating oil in a large soup pot. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic over medium-low heat until they turn golden, stirring occasionally for approximately 10 minutes. If the mixture starts to dry out, add a touch of water. Next, sprinkle flour into the pot and continue to cook while stirring for an additional minute.

2. 2

   Place the diced potato and eggplant in a pot and cover them with water, leaving about an inch of the vegetables uncovered. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged under water. Reduce the heat, incorporate the basil, thyme, and curry into the pot, and mix thoroughly. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes until the vegetables reach a tender consistency.

3. 3

   Incorporate the parsley into the soup and gradually add rice milk until reaching a slightly thick texture. Blend in the creamer, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Creole cuisine is a blend of various cultures including French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, with dishes often featuring bold flavors and spices. This soup showcases the vibrant and flavorful Creole cooking style, originating from Louisiana in the United States.

• Seasonal note

  Eggplants and tomatoes used in this dish are typically in season during the summer months, making it a great recipe for late summer or early fall. Fresh parsley and basil can be easily grown in a garden during the warmer months.

• Health note

  This Spicy Creole Eggplant Tomato Soup is a nutritious choice, providing a good amount of fiber and essential vitamins like A, C, and B6. It is also relatively low in cholesterol and saturated fat, but high in sodium, so it's recommended for those watching their salt intake.