Lemon Coriander Soup

# of servings:  4-6
Preparation Time:  10 mins	Cook Time:  10 mins

On a cold winter evening (or) when under the weather, there is nothing more soothing than a bowl of this velvety, aromatic soup!  It takes very minimal ingredients and is so quick to make.  Since both lemon and coriander help boost the immune system, this is a treat for anyone at any time, too.

Ingredients:

• Water - 6 cups
• Lemon - 1 
• Zest of the lemon (optional)
• Coriander leaves - 2 fistfuls
• Lemongrass - 5 blades (optional)
• Cornstarch - 1 tbsp
• Red chili flakes - 0.5 tsp
• Salt

Method:

• If using, roll up the lemongrass blades as shown in the picture
• If zesting, zest the lemon and then squeeze the lemon juice
• Chop the coriander leaves
• Set the water to boil (Could use a water kettle to expedite heating)
• When the water comes to a boil, add the lemongrass (if using), half of the chopped coriander leaves and red chili flakes
• With a little cold water, make a slurry with the cornstarch 
• While gently stirring, add the slurry to the boiling water
• On medium heat, bring to a gentle boil
• Add salt 
• Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice and zest (if using)
• Stir in the remaining coriander leaves 
• Remove and discard the lemongrass
• Serve hot and enjoy

Tips and Tricks:

• Boiling the water in a water kettle and pouring it into the vessel will save time in bringing it to a boil
• Lemongrass is too fibrous and hence preferable to remove before serving.  Rolling up the lemongrass blades makes it easier to remove and discard at once after making the soup
• Coriander leaves impart the flavor well upon cooking but lose their bright green color.  So, to keep both flavor and appearance, half is used during cooking and the other half is added after turning off the heat
• The slurry of cornstarch should be made only with cold water or it will get lumpy
• This soup should be made on medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil.  The soup will lose its velvety texture with a rolling boil
• Lemon keeps its tanginess if added after turning off the heat
• Coriander keeps its color if added after adding lemon

Pictures: 

Final Outcome: