Looking through her old recipe book last weekend for my mum's original lentil soup recipe (couldn't find it!), I found a recipe for Savoury Slice, something forgotten from my childhood and from my packed lunches, which I couldn't resist making again.
I also found a recipe for this 'Happiness Soup' written into the book in one of my sister's handwriting - none of us, including my mum, have ever made this as far as I know!
But how can I resist a recipe for 'Happiness Soup'?
So I made it yesterday for lunch for my dad, my step-mum and me - and it was really good.
(There was also leftover pumpkin soup that my dad had made the day before - which I tried and, having claimed to hate pumpkin soup - well, I was wrong! I'll be sharing his pumpkin soup recipe soon too!).
Happiness soup is simple and tasty and perfect for lunch - it has rice in it so you won't need to fill up on bread either.
Here's what you mean to make enough for four people, but of course adapt according to the size of the courgettes, etc that you have! It doesn't need specific measures so don't be worried to change the measurements a bit.
3 medium - large courgettes
zest and juice of 1.5 lemons
3 tablespoons light olive oil (or other cooking oil)
1.5 teaspoon turmeric
1.2 teaspoon chilli powder
1.5 litre chicken (or vegetable) stock
120g basmati (or long grain) rice
salt and pepper to season
sliced chilli or fresh herbs to garnish (if liked)
Peel and finely dice the courgettes and put into a big saucepan with the lemon zest and oil.
Fry gently until softened, stirring often, which will take probably around eight minutes or so.
Add the lemon juice, stock, turmeric, chilli powder and rice and simmer for 15 minutes, partially covered.
Remove the lid, season and simmer again for another five minutes.
Check that it's all cooked through - cook a little longer if you want the rice softer etc of course.
Serve warm with slices of chilli or perhaps some fresh herbs to garnish.
Such a lovely autumnal colour and so healthy and nourishing too.
A really good, happy soup indeed.
