I'm back - with a soup

At last life has returned to some semblance of normalcy. I've been feeling desperate to get back to posting recipes. So, even though I can't find the cable for my camera that allows me to get pix into my computer, I'm going to talk about tamarind soup even without a photo.

We've had a partly used packet of tamarind soup base in the pantry for years (how many I don't know, but a lot). So I decided to use it. My guesstimate was that it was about half the original amount. That proved to be true because adding it to 5 cups of water gave me a lovely broth. Tamarind is a little sour (I guess that's the word I would use). I found a Filipino recipe which gave me the kernel of an idea.

Soup can be made with virtually anything. I sauteed half an onion. Added several ounces of leftover pork loin, the water, the soup base, ¼ pound of shrimp, a couple of ounces of cooked chicken, half a bunch of kale leaves, a medium zucchini, 2 potatoes, some red pepper flakes, and maybe more stuff I don't remember.

Bottom line: I love making soups and often do so with stuff that's hanging out in the fridge or the pantry.

So, there you have it. I'm back and will be nearly a daily presence again here at theobsessivechef. I've been reading all your blogs, although not commenting much. Scooper, Peter and I are ensconced in a house in NW Washington, DC and nearly unpacked. I now have the best gas range (with electric ovens) I've ever had. I'm pumped!!!