eclaire (what’s in a) name?

there are few things that i miss eating as a vegetarian, mostly because i don’t like the taste of meat. (mini emilie vegetarian history is here.) chicken noodle soup is one of the few foods i still crave. i’ve found some other delicious soups, like kitchari, black bean soup, lentil dal, and of course the tasty minestrone, but none of these has ever replaced the classic chicken noodle soup, especially when i am feeling under the weather. which is exactly how i felt this weekend.

so what’s a girl to do? i hunkered down with some cookbooks and discovered the perfect solution – chickpea noodle soup with miso in the broth. i swear that this soup is the one reason why i’m out of bed, have my voice back, and am only going through half a box of kleenex a day now (i wish i was kidding). even though these pics are from my iphone, and thus not super beautiful (yes, i was sick enough that i actually didn’t document the process!), don’t let this fool you. the soup has amazing curative powers,* all the classic chicken soup elements, and a rich, hearty aroma that breaks through even the most congested nose. so when you’re feeling icky, whip this up, put on a movie, and enjoy!

*not an fda approved statement

one year ago: coconut lime cinnamon rice

chickpea noodle soup

yields 6 generous bowls
adapted from veganomicon

• 2T olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 dozen (approx) cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1t dried thyme
• 1/2t dried rosemary, chopped or crushed
• 1/2t pepper
• 6c broth (i love rapunzel bouillon)
• 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/3c brown rice miso
• 6oz soba noodles, broken in half
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1. heat olive oil in large pan over medium heat, then saute onion, carrots, celery for 10 minutes
2. add garlic, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, and pepper, sauteing for 5 more minutes
3. add broth and chickpeas, and bring the soup to a boil, stirring well
4. once the soup is boiling, add the miso and mix in well
5. then, add the soba noodles and simmer 15 minutes
6. serve immediately and enjoy!