This green soup made of brocoli, peas, aromatic basil, sesame oil and black sesame seeds could be the nutritional equivalent of my morning smoothie, since it packs inside 2 generous portions of vegs: a cruciferous veg which has a multitude of nutritional benefits, and a plant based protein (100gr of peas offer 5grs of protein), which also offers a creamy sweet taste to this soup which pairs perfectly with the exotic earthy sesame taste. I used fresh oregano and basil leaves which gave amply their aromas, though i am sure that even with dried herbs the taste will be equally delicious. The inspiration for this recipe with certain modifications came from Hemsley & Hemsley.
Ingredients (for 4 people)
- – 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- – ½ brocoli head, cut in florets
- – 3 celery stics, sliced
- – 1 large onion, chopped
- – 2 garlic cloves, diced
- – 1 handful of fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tbs dried)
- – 1 handful of fresh basil, chopped
- – 300grs frozen peas
- – 1lts vegetable broth (or 1lts water with a vegetable stock cube)
- – juice of 1 lemon
- – salt and pepper
- – Sesame oil and sesame seeds to garnish
Preparation
- Saute the garlic and onion in a large saucepan, until translucent
- add the celery, oregano and basil and stir
- add the brocolli and peas and keep stirring
- Add the broth, bring to a medim simmer with the lid on for 15mins, until the brocolli is soft enough and well cooked
- Blend the soup, add the lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish with a dollop of sesame oil and 1tsp of sesame seeds per portion.