Sopa Boba is a lighter, easier alternative to other soups in this collection. It is called "lame" because it doesn't contain meat or Seafood. Did we mention that Dominicans are unapologetic carnivores?

Time: 20 Mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serve: 4 people

Before starting to cook: No previous preparation is necessary.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of gem squash cut into small cubes
• 1 cup of potatoes cut into small cubes
• 1 cube of vegetable bouillon (optional)
• 7 allspice berries (optional)
• 1 cup of cassava (yuca) chopped into small cubes
• 6 cups of water
• 1 cup of noodles
• 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of mashed garlic
• 1/4 cup of chopped celery
• 4 slices of bread
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• Salt

Preparation:

1. In a pot add the vegetable stock, vinegar, salt, herbs, garlic, oil, water and squash. Bring to a boil and leave at medium heat for 15 minutes. Add the potatoes and the cassava, then in five minutes add the noodles. Stir regularly to avoid excessive sticking, adjust water when necessary. Adjust salt to taste. Remove from heat.
   
2. Toast the bread until light golden brown. Serve.

How come you use parsley in your dishes, the majority of Dominicans only use Cilantro in our dishes?

Parsley is not as widely-used as coriander, but yes, it is used, as well as many other herbs. I personally prefer parsley in this soup, it's a "my family thing". You can use coriander if you like it better.

The same happens with thyme, for example. In the northwest, where I come from, it's unthinkable to cook any stew or legume dish without it. My capitaleño friends had never used it.

Exactly how much is a cube, what does that equate too?

The stock (bouillon) is already available in cubes.