Soup and a soupçon

The temperatures have dropped, my waistline has expanded and the diets and gym memberships have risen. Lots of people are channeling their inner resolutions to do Dry January and Veganuary. Personally I like the sound of Ginuary (trying a new gin combo every day of the month); certainly it might be an antidote for tomorrow's Blue Monday when we supposedly hate the weather, our post Christmas debt and the fact that we haven't stuck to our resolutions.

So, a combination of comfort yet healthy vegetarian food, minus alcohol and without too many calories on a cold January day. What to have?

The Answer? Soup of the day. Soup every day. Super soup.

   Roasted tomato soup with creme fraiche and basil

    Roasted pumpkin soup with yogurt and pumpkin seeds

There are so many recipes for soup using a myriad of ingredients; you could probably have a different one every day of the month. And if that doesn't blow your mind, you can add a different topping every day too. There are no limits.

Below are a few ideas, just compliment the flavours:-

Oil - a drizzle of your favourite (ie truffle) or just good old extra virgin olive oil

Condiments - mustard, soy sauce, hot sauce, Hendersons ...

Seeds - toasted pumpkin, sunflower ...

Cream - creme fraiche or yogurt if you're watching your waistline, or coconut milk

Herbs - fresh, lightly fried or dried

Spices - for a warm kick

Fruit and Veg - grated in to compliment the soup - carrot, beetroot, apple ...

Dried onions - for a slight crunch

Nuts - chopped and sprinkled

Cheese - dabs of goats cheese or a Parmesan equivalent (Gran Moravia)

Croutons - any size or shape with any flavouring to float on top

Puff pastry - ditto

Cheese straws - ditto

Popcorn - plain or salted

Go on - make it a souper day.