RECIPES FROM OESOPHAGEAL PATIENTS

GREEN ADAPT-A-SOUP

Hope this gives back, even in a small way. This soup is an invention I make for my family. It never comes out the same way twice, but it's fast, delicious, nutritious and super easy. I make vats of this for us, but for those of you who've had surgery, I think this version will work nicely. This should be enough for maybe 2-3 servings, depending on how small you need. This is how I like it, but you can change/eliminate herbs and seasoning to your tastes.

• 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tablespoons chopped onion

1. Saute above in saucepan until onions are translucent. Add and stir-fry your choice (or combination) of

• fresh or fresh-frozen: 1Cup-1-1/2 Cup vegetable matter (see list) (chopped broccoli, spinach (or any green-leafies), frozen peas, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoflower, potatoes (Russet work best))

2. Then add:

• 1 can chicken broth
• 2 Tablespoons Dry Sherry (if you have it)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/2-1 teaspoon Dried Tarragon

3. Simmer about 20 minutes until vegetables are very soft. You can't overcook this.

Optional: Add

• 1/4 Cup parmesan (as in spinach soup or asparagus soup) or
• cheddar cheese (as in broccoli or cauliflower, potato) if you can tolerate cheese at all.

I haven't tried this, but maybe

• tofu hidden in here would be a good way to get extra protein before or after blending.

4. Now pour into a blender and blend until smooth. The pureed vegetables give this a nice smooth, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning for salt, pepper, etc.

BTW- If I make pea soup (this is totally non-gassy because you use fresh frozen and not dried peas), sometimes I put a little ham or Canadian bacon in. Sometimes I top it off with a spoon of sour cream or plain yogurt. Adding potatoes makes the soup richer, heartier.

Cauliflower/Cheese soup is good with chunks of chicken breasts in it. You can buy the grilled strips on small pkgs now. And this is good cold in summer, if you like that sort of thing.

Buon Apetit! Laurel