Being a foodie is no longer a bad thing,” declared chief guest Vani Ganapathy, unveiling Soups and More, a unique recipe book of soup dishes. A product of the collaboration between a popular women’s magazine and a soup brand, ‘Soups and More’, has over 150 vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes made with only soup powders.

Aimed at dealing with the 4 pm to 7 pm hunger-pang period, the recipe book gives you a list of nutritious short eats. From Pasta Bolognaise, Cold Cucumber and Mushroom soup, Citric Chicken Sweet Corn soup, Cheese Puffs to Crisp Fish, there are an array of simple yet healthy recipes made from soup powders. 

About the book

Explained Mahesh Kanchan, marketing manager, culinary products division at Hindustan Unilever, “The 4 to 7 pm time-frame has even the adults resorting to fried foods. These are nothing but empty calories. Soup is an ideal nutritious accompaniment to deal with hunger pangs. You can do a lot more with soup powders than you think.”

While a plate of assorted biscuits, a usual evening snack in most houses, gives you 500 calories, a bowl of cream soup gives only 220 calories. Even better is the clear soup that carries only 10 to 20 calories. A whole two leaves in the book inform you on the calorie intake of common evening snacks, that we usually munch on without thinking twice.

Manjira Dutta, the editor, said, “Happiness from food comes from aroma, taste and warmth and a hot bowl of soup sums it all. I have never met anyone who hates soup. The panelists comprised of home-cooks, who brainstormed on creating easy-to-cook dishes. It’s an experiment on powdered soups. The book is reflective of the fact that food is not one-dimensional.”

The easy-to-make recipes come along with an editor’s note on alternatives and suggestions. Other pages include benefits of soups, the different varieties, dressing up soups, soups for dieters, garnishings and accompaniments among others.

Danseuse Vani said, “This book is perfect for those trying their first-hand at cooking. Again the recipes make for great-eats before attending a party, especially if you are a cautious eater. So, you are watching what you eat and not left hungry at the do, nor do you have to decline the host.”

The book was launched to a chirpy all-woman audience, complete with culinary quiz and antakshari. The recipe book is priced at Rs 145 and is already occupying the racks at all leading book stores.

QUICK SOUP RECIPE

Pasta and potato snacks
Ingredients:
*1 packet Knorr Masala Pasta soup
*2 small potatoes, boiled and cubed
*3/4 cup shredded cabbage

Process:
*Mix contents of masala pasta soup with one-and-a-half cups water.
* Add the potatoes. Bring to boil and then cover. Cook on a slow fire for 6 minutes.
* Take off the fire, stir in cabbage.
* Cover and leave for another few minutes. Serve hot or chilled.
(Use finely grated capsicum and carrots to add colour)