Page 43 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2024

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
August 2024 | 43
Plump and juicy tomatoes shine in salads and sauces, while versatile eggplants add a creamy texture to dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush. Bell peppers come in a multitude of colors,
perfect for grilling or stuffing, while garlic and onions lend their robust aromas to marinades,
soups, and sauces. These locally-grown ingredients are a testament to our Southern culinary heritage, and there's no better way to showcase their flavors than in a vibrant soup that can be enjoyed either chilled or piping hot. I have written both a comforting and filling recipe that is sure to make your tastebuds dance.
1 medium eggplant
2-3 large tomatoes
1 whole garlic bulb
1 medium sweet onion
2 red bell peppers
4 cups chicken stock
(or vegetable stock)
Olive oil
Red chili flakes (optional) Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Croutons
Half & Half Coconut Milk Parmesan Fresh Basil or Parsley
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Quarter the eggplant, onion, and tomatoes.
3. Cut the tops off the whole garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
4. Quarter the red bell peppers and remove the seeds.
5. Place the eggplant, tomatoes, garlic bulb (with the top cut off), and red bell peppers on a baking sheet.
6. Drizzle olive or avocado oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
7. Roast for about 30-40 minutes.
8. Once roasted, remove the vegetables from the oven.
9. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of the bulb into a large pot.
10. Add the roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and red bell peppers to the pot.
11. Pour in the chicken stock.
12. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
13. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
14. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully pour the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
15. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Instagram: @Southrngritskitchen