As a homemaker who is constantly struggling to get healthy veggies into her children, I have a variety of different ways to make sure that leafy green veggies are made part of the diet.  Rule of thumb: at least three times a week, in whatever form. In this season we get such lovely fresh vegetables (in fact we grow a lot of our own) that it would be a pity not include as many as possible in our daily diet. One big-time favorite in the family is spinach or palak soup. I generally make a big batch (this recipe will give you about 10 medium sized bowls) so that it will last for a couple of days. It is just the thing to hit the spot when the children get hungry for a snack in the evening.

 Palak (Spinach) Soup – Makes 10 servings

What you will need:

1 Large bunch of Palak (spinach)

50 gms butter

4 heaped tbsp maida (all purpose flour)

2 vegetable stock cubes

2 cup milk (about 400 to 500 ml)

1.5 ltr Water

½ tsp pepper (optional)

½ cup whipped cream (optional)

 First clean and wash the palak and then in plenty of boiling water, blanch it for about 2 minutes and drain. Next liquidize the palak and set it aside. T(his should give you about one and half cups of pureed palak.)

 Prepare the white sauce: in a large heavy bottomed pan melt the butter and add the maida (flour) stirring all the time and seeing that no lumps form. After sautéing for a couple of minutes start to add the milk while stirring constantly. Make sure that no lumps form. Slowly the consistency of the white sauce will thicken to an almost pasty consistency. Then add the vegetable cubes (if you are non vegetarian you can add chicken cubes, they are tastier) and make sure they dissolve fully.

 Now add the pureed palak and pepper (optional, if children are eating it or if you don't  like pepper). Mix well, use a whisk if required. Into the same pot, then add about one and a half litres of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes or so until the quantity reduces slightly and you have a nice thick consistency. Just before serving, add the cream to the soup and stir. Or if some people like the cream and some don’t, you can add a dollop to the cups/bowls after pouring out the soup, it will dissolve and mix well in the piping hot soup.Enjoy!