Spiced Indian Vegetable Medley Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of India with this Spiced Indian Vegetable Medley Soup, simmered slowly in a crock pot for maximum taste. This vibrant medley features tender eggplant, hearty red potatoes, and protein-packed chickpeas, all bathed in a warming broth infused with fragrant ginger and aromatic spices. Whether you're looking for a wholesome meal to nourish your soul or a delightful dish to share with family and friends, this soup provides a comforting, nutritious option packed with vegetables and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights, this soup is even better the next day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
red potatoes
1 lb (cut into 1 inch pieces)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with juices)
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
grated ginger
1 tablespoon (fresh or jarred)
mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons (whole)
ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons (spice)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (spice)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
vegetable broth or chicken broth
4 cups (liquid)
fresh cilantro stems
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all your vegetables. Cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch cubes and the red potatoes into 1 inch pieces.
2
In the crock pot, layer the cubed eggplant, potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and rinsed chickpeas.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the grated ginger, mustard seeds, ground coriander, curry powder, and pepper, then sprinkle the spice mixture over the vegetables in the crock pot.
4
Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring that the vegetables are submerged.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the vegetables are tender.
6
Before serving, stir the soup gently and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Spiced Indian Vegetable Medley Soup?
The main ingredients include eggplant, red potatoes, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and a blend of spices like ginger, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder.
How should I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
You should cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch cubes before adding it to the crock pot.
What is the recommended size for the red potatoes?
The red potatoes should be cut into 1 inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, this soup is naturally vegan if you choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long does the soup need to cook on a low setting?
In a crock pot on low heat, the soup should cook for 8 to 10 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What is the cooking time on the high setting?
If you are using the high setting on your crock pot, the soup will be ready in 4 to 5 hours.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should include the juices from the diced tomatoes to add flavor and liquid to the broth.
Should the chickpeas be rinsed?
Yes, the recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of chickpeas that have been rinsed and drained before use.
What spices provide the Indian flavor profile in this dish?
The flavor comes from a mixture of grated ginger, mustard seeds, ground coriander, curry powder, and black pepper.
How do I add the spices to the crock pot?
Mix the ginger, mustard seeds, coriander, curry powder, and pepper in a small bowl first, then sprinkle them over the vegetables.
When is the best time to add the fresh cilantro?
Fresh cilantro should be added as a garnish just before serving for a pop of flavor and color.
Can I use jarred ginger for this soup?
Yes, you can use either fresh grated ginger or jarred grated ginger depending on what you have available.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, this soup is ideal for meal prep and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
What type of broth is recommended?
You can use either 4 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth depending on your dietary preferences.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of curry powder to achieve its aromatic flavor.
Do I need to stir the soup during the cooking process?
No, simply layer the ingredients and let them cook. You only need to stir the soup gently once before serving.
What should I do if the vegetables are not submerged in liquid?
When adding the 4 cups of broth, ensure that all the vegetables are submerged to ensure they cook through properly.
Are mustard seeds essential for this recipe?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of mustard seeds add a traditional aromatic quality to the Indian-inspired spice profile.
Is this soup considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, vegetable-packed soup that is wholesome and fiber-rich.
Can I substitute the red potatoes with other varieties?
While the recipe calls for red potatoes, you could use other waxy potatoes that hold their shape well during slow cooking.
How many cups of broth does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 4 cups of broth plus the juices from the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Is the cilantro cooked in the soup or just used as a garnish?
The fresh cilantro is chopped and used specifically as a garnish at the very end.
What is the first step in preparing this soup?
The first step is preparing the vegetables by cubing the eggplant into 1/2 inch pieces and the potatoes into 1 inch pieces.
How much ground coriander is included?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of ground coriander.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, which can be fresh or from a jar.
What size can of diced tomatoes should I buy?
You will need one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed specifically to be cooked slowly in a crock pot or slow cooker.
How much pepper is added to the spice mix?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper to season the medley.
What kind of texture can I expect from the eggplant?
After slow cooking, the eggplant becomes very tender and melts into the aromatic broth.
Is this soup a good comfort food?
Yes, the warming Indian spices and hearty vegetable medley make it a very comforting and soul-nourishing meal.