Vegetable Lemon Coriander Soup

I lived in Hyderabad for a couple of years. At the time, I steered clear of multi-cuisine restaurants. In fact, I probably still do. Any place that serves Indian, Chinese and Continental probably is a jack of all and master of none. But this place was different. It was called 36 Jubilee Hills because it was located on the popular Road No. 36 of Jubilee Hills. A mere five streets away from where I lived, it was one of the few decent restaurants close to Hi-tech City in those days. So, several of our office lunches were organized there. Their north indian dishes were superb, but the two items that stood out were the Vegetable Biryani and the Lemon Coriander Soup. (I went back last year after I got married and the management of the place has changed and so has, sadly, their food!)

I found a great recipe for the Lemon Coriander Soup in a Tarla Dalal book. That recipe calls for Lemon Grass and I didn't have any. (I used up whatever I had for my kashay to help my cold.) The soup at 36 Jubilee Hills had freshly squeezed lime juice and that is what I did yesterday. I wanted a filling soup that would soothe my throat.

1 Carrot, thinly sliced
8-10 French beans, thinly sliced
2 tbsp Cabbage, finely chopped
3 Button Mushrooms, sliced
3 Spring Onions, leaves chopped and bulb sliced
3 Broccoli florets, sliced
1 tsp Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp Green Chilli Sauce
1/4 tsp Ginger Paste
1 tsp Garlic, finely sliced
2 tbsp Coriander leaves, finely chopped
Salt to taste
1 tsp Oil
1 tbsp Lime Juice

Heat the oil in a vessel. Add the spring onion whites and fry for a minute. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for a few minutes. Add the vegetables including the spring onion greens and saute for a minute or two. Add the soy and chilli sauces along with the salt. Add 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked. Take off the flame and stir in the lime juice.

I really enjoyed this soup and will make it even when I get better. Try it, I'm sure you'll love it too.