About the Blog - Fragments of a Life

This blog will contain things I have written; some of my best photos; and a selection of my favourite recipes. I am truly fortunate to have traveled to and worked in fascinating places, met remarkable people, and seen many of the wonders of planet earth. Friends have urged me to write about these experiences and to publish my photographs. Maybe, one day, these will come together into a book. For now, they will be presented as fragments of a life since I am not yet prepared to "retire" and write. As well, for many years, I have been promising to publish my "cookbook". As I cannot get my act together to edit that all at once, I will start publishing those recipes one by one.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Chili-Lime Tomato Soup

This recipe was sent to me by Anne Gallagher, an Australian, but it has a distinctively Mexican flavour. Anne says it serves eight, plus a bit left over for the cook the next day. Serve soup, accompanied by the toppings.

For the Soup

1 litre tomato juice
3 large cans crushed tomatoes (or 1 kilogram fresh tomatoes, chopped)
2 large onions
garlic, 3-4 large cloves (or more if you prefer)
3 small hot fresh chillies
1 teaspoon cumin
olive oil (3-4 tablespoons)
juice of 3 limes (or 1 lemon) -- about a quarter cup


For the Toppings

Crushed corn chips (plain)
avocado
thick yoghurt
coriander leaves
extra lime and garlic


  • Finely chop onion, garlic and chillies, and fry gently in olive oil until soft. 
  • Add cumin and stir for a few minutes. 
  • Add chopped tomatoes and simmer until tomatoes are well cooked. 
  •  Add tomato juice and lime juice and leave on low heat for as long as you like. 
  • Season to taste just before serving. 
  • Make guacamole topping by combining equal amounts of mashed avocado and thick yoghurt with crushed garlic and a dash of lime juice, to taste. 
  • Serve with three different toppings, presented in three different bowls: crushed corn chips, coriander leaves, and guacamole.

No comments:

Post a Comment