Food for Thought

I have been trying to shed a few pounds that I put on during the holidays and have found that one of the best ways to have lots of food and few calories is to eat a lot of vegetables. However, just plain old veggies can be really boring after a while and make you want to run out and eat a lasagna loaded with cheese and pasta. So, I have been making vegetable soup which I find more satisfying with the same results as eating the vegetablesalone. Here is the idea:
Take about one quarter of an onion and cut it into very small pieces (dice). Put it in a saucepan (not a real small one, but something that will hold about 8 cups) with some cooking spray. Cook briefly until the onion turns translucent. Add enough broccoli (that has been cut into flowerettes) to fill the pot about three quarters full. Add some chicken broth (about one and one half cans), cover, and cook until the broccoli is soft but not mushy. Put the mixture into a food processor or blender and whir until it is smooth. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and just a small dash of nutmeg. If the mixture is too thick, thin with some more chicken broth. You would be surprised how good this is!

You can vary the theme by using cauliflower, butternut squash, cabbage, or carrols instead of the broccoli, and use different seasonings such as fresh ginger with the butternut squash. The technique remains the same. If you use cabbage, use can cook the cabbage and add a can of white beans for a more hearty soup.

Let me know if you try this method of eating vegetables (I bet your kids might even like it) and if you have any ideas of your own.