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Category: Soups & Stews

Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Kale Soup

Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Kale Soup

Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Kale Soup

 

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 sweet organic onion, sliced to about ½” thickness

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. pink or sea salt

½ tsp. cracked pepper

2 C. shitake mushrooms, whole

2 C. sliced baby bella or cremini mushrooms

4 C. chicken or vegetable broth (organic and gluten-free)

2 C. organic kale, roughly chopped into bite sized pieces

½ C. coconut milk or coconut cream

 

In a large pot, heat oil then add onions. Continue to sauté until onions are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Add garlic, salt and pepper and mushrooms. Continue to cook until mushrooms are softened and golden. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Add kale. Reduce heat to low then simmer, covered for 20 minutes. Stir in coconut milk. Season with additional salt and pepper.

Loaded Potato Chowder

Loaded Potato Chowder

Loaded Potato Chowder

 

1/2 pound bacon

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp. thyme

2 T. dry sherry or white wine

3 C. chicken broth

2 C. half and half

3 chicken bouillon cubes

2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small pieces

Salt and Pepper

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 C. sour cream

chopped chives

 

Cut the uncooked bacon in small pieces. Heat a heavy pan and fry the bacon pieces until crisp. Remove the bacon bits to a plate lined with a paper towel. Take a paper towel and soak up all but 2 T. of bacon grease and discard. Saute the onion, garlic, and thyme for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and tender. Stir in the dry sherry and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, half and half, and bouillon. Bring the broth to a boil. Add the potatoes and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and allow the soup to cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper if necessary. To serve the soup, top each bowl with a couple spoonfuls of shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon pieces, and chives.

Caramelized Garlic and Onion Bisque

Caramelized Garlic and Onion Bisque

Caramelized Garlic and Onion Bisque

 

2 T. salted butter

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 C. garlic cloves, peeled

8 C. onions—a mixture of reds, yellows, whites, shallots, and leeks— thinly sliced

1 1/2 C. yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 C. sherry

1 T. dried rosemary, crumbled

6 C. chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 C. whipping cream

1/2 C. sour cream

Salt

Freshly ground pepper

 

In a dutch oven, melt butter with oil over low heat. Add onions and garlic, stirring occasionally for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown. Stir in potatoes, sherry, and rosemary; cook for 2 minutes. Add broth to the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Puree mixture in batches in a blender and pour back into dutch oven. Over medium heat, return to a simmer. Stir in whipping cream and sour cream and cook for 1–2 minutes longer, being careful not to let the soup boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Note: For garnish, use crispy onions, rosemary, or edible flowers.

Clover Soup

Clover Soup

Clover Soup

 

2 shallots, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 T. butter

2 C. white clover flowers and leaves (stems and roots fine too), coarsely chopped

4 C. chicken or vegetable broth

3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered

Salt and pepper to taste

1 C. Cream or Milk, optional

 

In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute shallots and garlic in butter. When shallots are softened, add clover and stir to coat. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook on medium heat until potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and reserve the cooking broth. Puree the drained clover mixture in a food processor. Blend the reserved cooking broth with the puree. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a couple minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Summer Pesto Mini Meatball Soup

Summer Pesto Mini Meatball Soup

Summer Pesto Mini Meatball Soup

 

1 C. packed fresh basil

¼ C. finely grated parmesan cheese

2 T. pine nuts, toasted

2 garlic cloves

pinch of crushed red pepper

salt and pepper

½ C. extra virgin olive oil

 

1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey

¼ C. seasoned breadcrumbs, panko or fine crumbs both work

3 T. pesto

2 T. parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

2 T. olive oil

1 shallot diced

8 C. chicken stock or broth, low sodium is fine – you may want a pinch more salt

12 ounces tiny cut pasta, like ditalini or annellini (tiny circles)

fresh basil, for topping

shaved parmesan, for topping

 

Place the basil, parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, red peppers flakes and a pinch of salt and pepper in the bowl of your food processor or blender. Pulse until small pieces remain. Blend while streaming in the olive oil until combined. You can store extras of this in the fridge for about a week. In a bowl, combine the chicken/turkey with the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, pesto and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined the form the mixture into mini meatballs. Heat a large stock pot over medium heat and add 1 T. of olive oil. Add the meatballs in a single later, browning on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on a plate. Keep the pot over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil. Stir in the shallot with a pinch of salt and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the meatballs back to the pot. Add in the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cook, uncovered and stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 or 2 T. of the pesto. (Note: the soup is not a pretty color!) Ladle the soup into bowls and the stir in more pesto on a bowl-by-bowl basis, however much you want. Garnish with shaved parmesan and extra fresh basil and serve!

Cucumber Sass

Cucumber Sass

Cucumber Sass

 

A simple chilled soup that’s refreshing at the height of summer. Experiment with your favorite herbs and toppings; adding spice gives this a nice kick.

 

2 lbs. cucumbers, peeled

½ small onion

¼ C. fresh dill

2 T. fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. sea salt

Yogurt, hot sauce (Fab Ferments Sass), and good olive oil (optional), for serving

 

Coarsely chop cucumbers and onion and place in the container of a food processor or blender. Add dill, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until well mixed and liquefied. Pour soup into a jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to blend flavors, or overnight. Soup will keep for 2–3 days in the refrigerator. Garnish as desired and serve.

Cucumber Yogurt Soup with Lime and Chili

Cucumber Yogurt Soup with Lime and Chili

Cucumber Yogurt Soup with Lime and Chili

 

1 large English cucumber, approximately 12 oz/350 grams

1 C. Greek Yogurt, full fat preferable

1+ T. fresh Lime Juice

1 T. plus 1 tsp rice vinegar

¼ tsp. sesame oil, plus more for garnish

1 tsp. (caster) sugar

1-2 T. cilantro, rough chopped or torn

¼ C. (handful) flat leaf parsley, rough chopped or torn

Sea salt, to taste

Fresh ground pepper, to taste

 

For garnish:

 

Sambal Oelek (chili sauce)

Sesame oil

Sesame seeds

Cilantro leaves

Lime wedge

(Crispy garlic slices or shallots)

 

-for optimal blending, place liquids in carafe first

 

Slice cucumber lengthwise, and using a spoon, gently scoop out seeds (see image below). Roughly chop.  Place yogurt in carafe followed by lime juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, sea salt, fresh ground pepper, chopped cilantro and parsley and finely, chopped cucumber. Blend on low, slowly increasing to a medium high speed and blend until creamy smooth.  Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Garnish and serve!

Cream of Lambsquarter Soup

Cream of Lambsquarter Soup

Cream of Lambsquarter Soup

 

1/4 C. butter

1/4 C. flour

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 C. organic chicken or vegetable broth

1 pound unsprayed lambsquarter

1 C. light or ‘half-and-half’ cream

Salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste

 

In a heavy-bottomed medium pot, cook the onions in the butter, over medium-low heat until onions have softened (about 5 to 10 minutes). Add the flour and stir constantly, cooking for a minute. Add the chicken broth slowly, a little at a time, while whisking well to avoid the flour lumping. Simmer the soup for about 10 minutes or until thickened, whisking frequently. Add the lambsquarter, and cook for another 4 or 5 minutes or until lambsquarter is tender but has not lost its vibrant color. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Using a hand blender or a counter top blender, purée the soup until smooth and velvety. Return the soup to its saucepan, add the cream and return to heat. Bring the soup back up to temperature but do not boil after the cream has been added. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Enjoy with warm crusty bread or croutons.

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

 

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 bunch wild garlic, finely chopped (Or, chives finely chopped)

1/2 head celery, finely chopped

2 stems fresh lovage, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried lovage)

1 lemon, grated zest and juice

200g rice

1L vegetable stock

salt and pepper, to season

a little butter or vegetable oil for sweating the vegetables

 

A deliciously fresh and delicate soup with heirloom herbs that is perfect for a cold winter’s day. Add the chopped onion, wild garlic and celery to a large saucepan with a little butter or oil and sweat over a medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir before adding the vegetable stock, chopped lovage, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt and pepper to season. Cover the pan, lower the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and vegetables are soft. Check the seasoning before serving in warm soup bowls with crusty bread and/or croutons.

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

 

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1 (2″) knob fresh gingerroot, sliced in half through the center

8 C. low-sodium chicken broth

5 T. tamari

1 (12-ounce) package frozen, fully cooked mini chicken wontons

3 T. rice vinegar

2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

 

Heat large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil and ginger. Sauté 2 minutes. Add broth and tamari, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add frozen wontons and cook 2-3 minutes until wontons are fully heated through. Remove one wonton and cut in half to test that the insides are fully warmed through. Remove from heat, discard ginger, stir in vinegar and scallions, and serve hot.

Cream of Lovage Soup with Edible Spring Herb Flowers

Cream of Lovage Soup with Edible Spring Herb Flowers

Cream of Lovage Soup with Edible Spring Herb Flowers

 

2 T. salted butter

1 medium cooking onion, finely chopped

2 cups loosely packed, chopped fresh lovage leaves

8 cups chicken stock

4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper

Small handful fresh spring herb flowers

2 T. hemp or good quality olive oil

 

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly translucent. Add the lovage and sauté until it wilts, 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and potatoes and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and break apart easily with a fork. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Once the soup is completely cool, working in batches, puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Return to the pot and warm through over medium heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and drizzle with hemp or olive oil. Serve garnished with fresh herb flower blossoms. I love rosemary and sweet cicely, but experiment with your own favorites.

White Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon

White Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon

White Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon

 

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 1/2 cups chicken stock

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup dry white wine

12 ounces grated sharp white cheddar cheese

kosher salt

6 bacon slices, cut into 1 inch pieces and cooked until crisp

6 green onions, including 2 inches of green tops, coarsely chopped

 

Heat butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and sauté until softened, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the stock and half-and-half and bring mixture to a simmer. Add the cayenne pepper and wine. Add the cheese, a little at a time, stirring until smooth after each addition. Taste soup and season with salt, as needed. Soup can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat over medium heat. To serve, ladle soup into 6 bowls and garnish each serving with bacon pieces and green onions.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup

 

1 T. olive oil

8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 T. unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 onion, diced

3 carrots, peeled and diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups chicken stock

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup half and half, or more, as needed

2 T. chopped fresh parsley leaves

1 sprig rosemary

 

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to the stockpot and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes; set aside. Melt butter in the stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic, mushrooms, onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Whisk in chicken stock, bay leaf and chicken thighs, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in half and half until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more half and half as needed until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and rosemary, if desired.

Asiago Bisque

Asiago Bisque

Asiago Bisque

 

3 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

3 cups chopped carrots

6 T. butter

4 cups chopped and peeled potatoes, cut into small bite sized pieces

1 cup white wine

2 cups chicken stock

2 cups half and half

2 cups shredded Asiago cheese

6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped

 

In a large sauce melt butter and sauté onions, celery, and carrots until tender. Add potatoes, wine and chicken stock. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Add cream and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Asiago cheese. With an immersion blender, blend soup until creamy or until slightly chunky, whichever your preference. Garnish with bacon and more cheese.

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Bacon

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Bacon

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Bacon

 

10 strips Bacon, diced

2 large Shallots, peeled & small dice (about 1 1/2 cup)

3 medium Carrot, peeled & small dice (about 3/4 cup)

3 medium Celery, small dice (about 3/4 cup)

4 small cloves Garlic, peeled & minced

¼ tsp crushed Red Pepper Flakes – more or less, to taste

¾ tsp Kosher Salt, plus more to taste

heaping 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper, plus more to taste

½ cup White Wine

4 Cups Chicken Stock

2 (14.5 oz) cans Cannellini Beans or Great Northern Beans, undrained

2 sprigs fresh Rosemary

1 Bay leaf

1 Parmesan Cheese Rind

¼ – ½ Cup Heavy Cream

1 T. fresh Parsley leaves, chopped, or more for serving

½ Cup Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for serving

 

Cook bacon: Place a large stock pot over medium heat and add bacon. Cook until bacon is crisp and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in pan. Set aside. Remove bacon – leave fat: You want about 1 T. of bacon drippings in the pot, if you do not have enough fat, add extra virgin olive oil to pan until you have about 1 T. of liquid (just eyeball this). Sauté vegetables: Increase heat to medium high. Add shallots, carrot, and celery to pot. Cook, stirring frequently until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper; cook until aromatic, 30 seconds – 1 minute. Deglaze the pan: Add white wine to deglaze pan, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until wine is reduced to 2 T., about 3-4 minutes. Add liquid, beans + herbs: Add the chicken stock, beans with their liquid, rosemary sprigs, bay leaf and parmesan rind (if using). Boil, then simmer: Increase heat to high and bring soup to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Add bacon, cream, parsley + parmesan: Use tongs to remove the rosemary sprigs and bay leaf. (I leave in the parmesan rind, but you can remove and discard it.) Add in the bacon, 1/4 cup of cream, chopped parsley leaves and grated parmesan. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Taste the soup, add more cream for a richer taste and texture.

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

 

2 T. oil

1/2 small onion, sliced

2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into thin slices

1 celery stalk, cut diagonally into thin slices

One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped

6 cups chicken stock

6 green onions, white and light green parts, cut into 1-inch pieces

8 frozen chicken or pork pot stickers

4 baby bok choy, root end cut off so leaves can separate, then sliced lengthwise

One 3-ounce package instant ramen noodles, seasoning pack removed

8 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced

8 ounces leftover Chicken

1 T. soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame chili oil (or just sesame oil)

 

Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about a minute. Add the stock and green onions and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Put in the pot stickers and cook for 5 minutes, then add the bok choy, noodles, shiitakes, and chicken. Cook until the noodles are softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in the soy sauce and sesame chib oil. Serve.

Japanese Knotweed Soup

Japanese Knotweed Soup

Japanese Knotweed Soup

 

1 T. unsalted butter

1/2 cup (80 g) finely chopped shallots

4 cups (about 340 g) skinned and sliced knotweed, joints discarded

2 small potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

4 cups (1 L) hot chicken or vegetable stock

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Heavy cream, for serving (optional)

 

In a pot, melt the butter until it foams. Add the shallots and cook gently until they are translucent. Add the knotweed and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes until the color of the knotweed changes from fresh green to drab khaki. Add the potatoes and the stock and cook until the potato slices are tender, about 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, then puree it in batches in a blender. Strain each batch through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Return the soup to the stove and heat until simmering, then season to taste. A swirl of cream before serving is never a bad idea.

Glorious Meatball Pho

Glorious Meatball Pho

Glorious Meatball Pho

 

32 ounces beef stock

2 star anise

3 limes

One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into 4 slices

8 ounces rice noodles

8 leftover Meatballs, warmed slightly in a microwave

One 8-ounce bag bean sprouts

1 bunch green onions, white and light green parts only, sliced into thin strips

1 big handful fresh cilantro

1 small red chile, sliced very thinly

Hoisin sauce for serving

Sriracha for serving

 

Combine the stock, star anise, the juice of two of the limes, and the ginger in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, lower the heat slightly, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook for 3 minutes. Drain the noodles well and divide among four bowls. Add the meatballs and cover with the stock. Then add some bean sprouts, green onion, cilantro, red chile, and a squeeze of juice from one-quarter of the remaining lime to each bowl. Add some hoisin and sriracha to taste to each bowl and eat.

Cream of Chicken Soup with Poached Eggs for One

Cream of Chicken Soup with Poached Eggs for One

Cream of Chicken Soup with Poached Eggs for One

 

1 ½ C. Chicken Broth

½ tsp. Chicken Bouillon Concentrate

2 Eggs

Salt & Pepper

1/4 C. Heavy Cream

2 T. Parmesan

 

Pour your broth into a medium-size saucepan and put it over medium-low heat. Add the chicken bouillon concentrate, if using—I think it improves the flavor, but some people object to it—and bring just to a simmer. In the meanwhile, crack your eggs into a custard cup—this way if a yolk breaks, you can save it for another recipe. When the broth is simmering, turn it down so it’s just below a simmer, add salt and pepper to taste, and slip in the eggs. Poach until set to your liking—I give mine 7 minutes. While the eggs are poaching, put the cream in a bowl. When the eggs are done, transfer them to the bowl with a slotted spoon. Pour in the broth, top with the Parmesan, and supper is ready.

 

1 SERVING with: 442 Calories; 36 g Fat (74.0% calories from fat); 24 g Protein; 5 g Carbohydrate; 0 g Dietary Fiber; 5 g Net Carbs

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

 

One 15-ounce can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

One 14.5-ounce can chicken broth

One 12-ounce can evaporated milk

½ tsp. onion powder

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. salt (or to taste)

⅛ tsp. ground black pepper (or to taste)

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

 

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until well blended and hot.

Creamy Vegetable Soup

Creamy Vegetable Soup

Creamy Vegetable Soup

 

1 large onion

1 pound carrots, peeled (4 to 5 medium)

4 celery sticks

1 T. olive oil

Salt

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 pound thin-skinned potatoes (3 medium or 6 small potatoes)

3 garlic cloves, peeled and halved

3 cups chicken or vegetable stock, see how to make chicken stock

2 bay leaves

3 sprigs fresh thyme (substitute 1/2 tsp. dried thyme)

1/4 cup half-and-half, cream, or coconut milk

 

Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into 1/2-inch chunks. Chop the potatoes into 1/2-inch chunks, but set aside from other vegetables. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss the onion, carrots, and the celery around in the oil. Sprinkle with a 1/2 tsp. of salt and add the red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables sweat, soften, and smell sweet; 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes. (Add more oil if the pot seems dry).  Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork; about 15 minutes. TO FINISH: Remove the soup from the heat. Take out the bay leaves and thyme sprigs and discard. Use an immersion blender, stand blender, or food mill to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the half-and-half. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Copycat Benihana Onion Mushroom Soup

Copycat Benihana Onion Mushroom Soup

Copycat Benihana Onion Mushroom Soup

 

2 T. soybean oil

4 garlic cloves (crushed)

1 ½ cup (350 ml) onion, rough chopped

¾ cup (175 ml) carrot, rough chopped

¾ cup (175 ml) celery, rough chopped

½ t (4 gram) Swiss Chalet HACO Brand chicken flavor base paste, dissolved in 1 cup boiling water

½ t (4 gram) Swiss Chalet HACO brand beef flavor base paste, dissolved in 1 cup boiling water

6 cup (1.4 liter) water

2 t (6 gram) kosher salt (for simmering)

1/2 t (1.5 gram) whole peppercorn

Kosher salt (season to taste, after cooking)

 

Heat oil in medium stockpot. Sauté garlic until lightly browned, remove from pot. Sauté carrot, celery and onion until caramelized. Add garlic, beef and chicken stock, simmer for 3 minutes. Add water, salt and peppercorns, bring to a boil, reduce to very low simmer for 45 minutes. Strain soup through a fine mesh strainer. After soup has cooled slightly, adjust seasoning with extra kosher salt

 

 

Grocery Store Version:

 

2 T soybean oil

4 Garlic Clove (crushed)

1 ½ cup (350) onion, rough chopped

¾ cup (175 ml) carrot, rough chopped

¾ cup (175 ml) celery, rough chopped

1 can (10.5oz) Campbell’s condensed beef consommé

1 can (10.5oz) Campbell’s condensed chicken stock

6 cup (1.4 liter) water

2 t (6 gram) kosher salt (for simmering)

1/2 t (1.5 gram) whole peppercorn

Kosher salt (season to taste, after cooking)

 

See above, replacing HACO stock pastes with Campbell’s condensed soups.

Simple Mushroom-Miso Soup with Shrimp & Udon

Simple Mushroom-Miso Soup with Shrimp & Udon

Simple Mushroom-Miso Soup with Shrimp & Udon

 

12 ounces udon noodles

3 ounces (3 cups) baby spinach

10 ounces shiitake mushrooms

3 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup white miso

12 ounces extra-large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound)

 

Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add noodles and cook until al dente, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse under warm water to remove excess starch. Drain noodles well, then portion into individual serving bowls and top with spinach. Meanwhile, stem and thinly slice mushrooms. Bring broth, 2 cups water, and mushrooms to boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently until flavors meld and mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes. Peel shrimp completely (including tails), de vein, and cut each shrimp into 3 pieces. Whisk miso and 1/2 cup water together in bowl. Off heat, stir miso mixture and shrimp into soup, cover, and let sit until shrimp are just pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Ladle soup into prepared bowls and serve.

Shortcut Senate Bean Soup

Shortcut Senate Bean Soup

 

4 chicken-flavored bouillon cubes

2 1/2 C. finely diced or shredded ham (or meat from smoked turkey leg)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

3 ribs celery, chopped

1 medium-size onion, chopped

1 tsp. minced garlic

4 cans (15 ounces each) navy beans, with their liquid

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1 cup instant mashed potato flakes

 

Place the bouillon cubes and ham in a medium-size stockpot, add 6 C. water, and set over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, to produce a flavorful stock, 30 minutes. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, and garlic and sauté until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape the sauteed vegetables into the broth in the stockpot, add the beans, salt, and pepper, and return the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup, uncovered until thick, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in the potato flakes and let simmer 5 minutes more. Serve hot.

Green Garlic Soup

Green Garlic Soup

Green Garlic Soup

 

5 T. unsalted butter

24 young garlic plants, white part only, halved lengthwise (about 8 ounces worth)

3/4 cup water

1 1/2 pounds (22 ounces) small red potatoes, peeled and quartered

6 cups (1 1/2 quarts) chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp. salt

2 to 2 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar, to taste

ground pepper to taste

thinly sliced garlic scapes, olive oil, and watercress, for garnish (optional)

 

Melt butter in large, heavy bottomed stock pot. Add garlic and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes. Add the potatoes and remaining 1/2 cup water and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the broth, cover, and allow to bubble gently for 20 more minutes. Allow to cool slightly. Puree the soup in batches in a blender for 2 minutes until smooth. If a smoother texture is desired, pass the puree through a medium-fine sieve and return to saucepan. Stir in the cream and salt. Add the vinegar, 1 tsp. at a time, tasting the soup after each addition, until it tastes good to you. Reheat the soup gently and serve in warm bowls. Grind black pepper generously over each portion and serve with slices of toasted or grilled sourdough bread.

Mom’s Sweet Corn Chowder

Mom’s Sweet Corn Chowder

Mom’s Sweet Corn Chowder

 

8 slices bacon, chopped

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup chopped onion (about 1/2 a large onion)

1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups half-and-half

3 cups corn kernels

Salt and pepper

Fresh chives for sprinkling on top

 

In a large soup pot or heavy-bottom Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until bacon is cooked through and crispy. Scoop the bacon out and set it on a plate lined with paper towels. If there is a ton of bacon grease, pour off all but about 1 tablespoon. Add the butter and allow it to melt then add onion and potatoes. Cook, stirring often to keep the potatoes from sticking, until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15– 20 minutes. Combine flour and half-and-half in a glass measuring cup and whisk until smooth. Add the half-and-half mixture and the corn to the pot and continue cooking until the soup is slightly thickened and the corn.

Spiced Parsnip & Carrot Soup

Spiced Parsnip & Carrot Soup

Spiced Parsnip & Carrot Soup

 

1 T. light olive oil

1 medium onion, peeled and coarsely chopped

3 sticks celery, washed, trimmed and chopped

1 fat clove of garlic, peeled and crushed

1 T. finely grated fresh ginger root

1/2 to 1 T. curry powder (depending on your taste)

pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

salt and black pepper to taste

500g parsnips, peeled and chopped (a generous pound)

250g carrots, peeled and chopped (1/2 pound, generous)

1 litre of vegetable stock (abut 4 1/2 cups)

Additional hot stock as needed

 

Heat the oil in a large deep saucepan.  Add the chopped onion and celery, garlic, and grated ginger root.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, without allowing to brown.  Stir in the curry powder and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add the chopped parsnips and carrots.  Stir to coat well in the aromatics.  Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour in the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook over low heat for a further 30 to 35 minutes, or until very soft.  Remove from the heat and puree, using an immersion blender, until smooth.  Return to the stove and add additional stock as needed to give you the right consistency.  Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper and a pinch of cayenne if desired.  Serve immediately in heated bowls.  Alternately you can pour this soup into sealable freezer containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

 

Tomato, Fennel and Chickpea Soup with Garlic Toasts

Tomato, Fennel and Chickpea Soup with Garlic Toasts

Tomato, Fennel and Chickpea Soup with Garlic Toasts

 

Extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled, left whole

½ red onion, diced

1/3 fennel bulb, diced

2 cups diced tomatoes

2 cups spring or filtered water

2 T. white miso

½ cup cooked or canned chickpeas

2 stalks basil, leaves removed, shredded

Garlic Toasts

4 slices whole grain baguette

Extra virgin olive oil

2 fresh garlic cloves, peeled, halved

Sea salt

 

In a medium soup pot, place a small amount of oil and the whole garlic cloves over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, remove the cloves and stir in diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent, about 1 minute. Stir in fennel, tomatoes and water; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until fennel is quite soft, about 10-15 minutes. Make the garlic toasts. Place a small amount of olive oil in the bottom of a skillet. Rub the halved garlic cloves on the bread slices. Lay the bread in the skillet over medium heat and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cook, turning once, until the edges of the bread slices are golden brown. Using an immersion blender or standard blender, puree the soup until smooth. Return to the pot and remove a small amount of hot broth. Puree the miso and stir back into soup with chickpeas. Simmer for 1-2 minutes more (to heat chickpeas). Serve garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

Thai-Style Coconut Shrimp Soup

Thai-Style Coconut Shrimp Soup

Thai-Style Coconut Shrimp Soup

 

1 14-oz can coconut milk

2 c reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 T. garlic, minced

1 stalk fresh lemongrass, cut in 1-in. pieces

1 c mushrooms, sliced

1 T. fresh lime juice

1 T. Thai fish sauce

1 tsp. Thai chili paste or chilis

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 C. fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

1/4 C. fresh cilantro, finely chopped

 

Combine coconut milk, broth, ginger, and lemongrass in a medium pot over high heat and bring. Add mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. Reduce heat and simmer until mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add shrimp and continue to simmer until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in basil and cilantro and serve.

Leftover Turkey Stew with Cheddar Mustard Biscuits

Leftover Turkey Stew with Cheddar Mustard Biscuits

Leftover Turkey Cobbler with Cheddar Mustard Biscuits

 

2 C. leftover gravy

1 to 1/2 C. leftover stuffing

3 C. leftover assorted vegetables, cut into 1-inch pieces, if necessary

4 C. 1-inch chunks leftover skinless, boneless leftover turkey

Salt and pepper

Turkey or chicken stock or broth

1/4 C. chopped fresh Italian parsley

CHEDDAR MUSTARD BISCUITS

2 C. (9 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt

Pinch of ground cayenne pepper

6 T. (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces and well chilled

1 C. (4 ounces) coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 T. Dijon mustard

2/3 C. buttermilk, cold

 

Put the gravy and stuffing in a large pot and stir until combined. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring, until the stuffing dissolves. Add the vegetables and turkey, stir until blended and simmer until heated through. Adjust the consistency and flavors. Taste the stew and add additional salt and pepper if necessary. Adding more gravy and/ or a dose of sherry or cider can also help add flavor. If the stew is too thick, add turkey stock, bit by bit, until the liquid is thicken but not too liquid. If the stew is too thin, add more stuffing and simmer until it is dissolved. For a chunkier stew, add more veggies and turkey. Simmer until piping hot. Just before serving, add the chopped parsley. Ladle into shallow bowls and top with one or two buttermilk biscuits.

 

TO MAKE THE BISCUITS: Arrange an oven rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 425°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or nonstick liner. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cayenne in a large bowl until well blended. Add the cold butter pieces and, using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is pea-sized. (You can also do this step in a food processor using short pulses, scraping the blended mixture into the large bowl before proceeding.)  Add the cheese and stir until blended. Add the mustard to the buttermilk and pour over the flour and, using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until it forms a shaggy, moist dough with some floury bits remaining. (I like to use one hand to help mix while keeping the other working the spatula.) Scrape the dough and any remaining floury bits onto the counter and knead a few times until the dough is evenly moist and holds together. Be careful not to over-knead the dough because that will make the biscuits dense. Gently pat and shape the dough into a 1-inch thick slab. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut four round out of the dough. Make sure to press straight down and lift straight up as twisting the cutter will pinch together the sides and interfere with rising. Arrange the biscuits upside down (this helps release any slight sealing of the edges, which enhances the rise) about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Stack any scraps of dough on to of each other and gently press to a 1-inch thickness and cut out two more biscuits from the remaining dough. You will end up with 6 biscuits (there will be a smig of dough left over). Bake until the tops are golden brown and the bottom edges are browned, 16 to 18 minutes. Move the sheet to a cooling rack and let the biscuits sit until they’re cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately or cool completely, wrap in plastic and stow at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

Hearty Lentil Soup with Lardons

Hearty Lentil Soup with Lardons

Hearty Lentil Soup with Lardons

 

10 ounces thick-cut bacon (about 8 slices), cut into 1/2-inch-thick lardons

2 medium onions, chopped (about 3 cups)

3 medium carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)

4 stalks celery, chopped (about 2 cups)

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 T. roughly chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

2 cups French green lentils, rinsed

10 cups low-sodium chicken broth

 

Cook the bacon in a large (7- to 8-quart) Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the bacon fat in the pan and sauté until beginning to soften, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the lentils, add the broth, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the lentils are tender, about 40 minutes. Add the crisp lardons and stir to incorporate.  Taste the soup and add a bit more salt or pepper, if you like. Serve hot.

Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Sage

Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Sage

Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Sage

 

1 small (2-3 pound) sugar pumpkin

1 T. unsalted butter

1 small white onion, diced

1 large leeks white and pale green parts only, cleaned and cut into 1/4-inch dice

4 C. chicken broth

1/2 C. heavy cream

1 bunch fresh sage

2-3 T. extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove stem from pumpkin, slice in half and place on a lined baking sheet cut side down. Bake 45 minutes. Meanwhile, melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add onion and leeks and sauté until soft and translucent over low heat, stirring occasionally. When pumpkin is done, remove from oven, scoop out flesh and discard skin. Add pumpkin and chicken stock, bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Cool 8 – 10 minutes. Puree in a blender or food processor and return to stove. Add heavy cream and two T. finely chopped sage leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Heat oil in small frying pan over medium heat. Add 12 whole sage leaves and fry until crispy. Serve soup hot, garnished with crispy sage leaves.

Spinach Miso Soup with Clams

Spinach Miso Soup with Clams

Spinach Miso Soup with Clams

 

⅓ C. miso (fermented soybean paste)

¼ C. gochujang

1 tsp. kosher or sea salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 T. sesame oil

4 C. (32 ounces) low-sodium chicken stock

1 (14-ounce) container firm tofu, cut into ½-inch slices

1 dozen littleneck clams, washed and scrubbed

1 (8-ounce) bunch mature spinach, washed and trimmed

 

In a 5-quart pot, combine miso and gochujang and stir to form a cohesive paste. Add salt, garlic powder and sesame oil, mixing until fully incorporated. Add stock, 1 C. at a time, stirring thoroughly between each addition so the paste fully liquefies. When paste is fully dissolved, add 8 C. water and stir. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on medium heat for 1 hour, or until soup reduces by roughly a quarter. Add tofu, cook for 15 minutes, then add clams and spinach. Once the clams have opened, discarding any that do not open, the soup is ready to serve.

Italian Sausage Chowder

Italian Sausage Chowder

Italian Sausage Chowder

 

4 sweet or hot Italian sausage links, squeezed from the casings

1 medium onion, chopped

6 C. chicken broth

2 baking potatoes, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 C. fresh baby spinach leaves

1 C. heavy whipping cream

Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

Cook the sausage in a large stock pot, breaking apart the ground meat to crumble the sausage into small pieces. Drain off any grease, leaving 1 T. in the pot and discard the remaining grease. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and potatoes bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the cream (do not bring the chowder back to the boil), adjust the seasoning and serve.

Miso Butternut Squash Soup

Miso Butternut Squash Soup

Miso Butternut Squash Soup

 

2 T. canola oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed

5 C. low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

3 T. white or yellow miso paste

Handful of chopped fresh herbs (like thyme)

Salt & pepper to taste

Fresh herbs for topping (thyme or cilantro)

2 C. raw whole pumpkin seeds for toasting

Drizzle of crème fraîche for garnish (optional)

 

In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add in the squash and cook another 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, miso paste, and herbs. Bring to a boil and cook until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and puree using either an immersion blender or standard blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Add toppings when ready to serve. To make the toasted pumpkin seeds: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Add raw pumpkin seeds to a sheet pan in a single layer, do not overlap. Spray pumpkin seeds with canola cooking spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook in oven for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure to check them and toss the seeds periodically so they don’t burn! Top the soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, some herbs, and a drizzle of crème fraîche if desired.

Afternoon Onion Soup

Afternoon Onion Soup

Afternoon Onion Soup

 

4 ounces (1 stick) butter

4 ounces coconut oil

3 pounds onions

1½ C. grated potatoes (2 medium-sized potatoes)

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

32 ounces vegetable or beef broth

1 small (4- or 5-ounce) round of Camembert or other ripened cheese

½ to 1 cup cream, optional

 

Place butter and coconut oil in a deep soup pot and melt over medium heat. Peel each onion and cut in half lengthwise. Lay face down and halve lengthwise again, then slice thinly crosswise. Add the onions to the pot, stirring to coat in the melted fats. Gently cook the onions over low to medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring often. They should all turn a light brown color and become very aromatic. If you wish to continue until they caramelize, cook for another 20 minutes or so until very soft and browned, stirring as needed to prevent burning. Turn heat up to medium-high. Add grated potato to the onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well. Stir in salt and pepper. Stir in broth, bring to a simmer and cook on medium for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat. Cut the round of Camembert cheese in half. Holding one of the halves over the pot, use a tsp. to scoop out the creamy inner cheese and drop into the hot soup. Repeat with other half round of cheese. Using an immersion blender or a standing blender, carefully blend the soup to a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot. If desired, add the cream just before serving and stir well; or place the cream on the table and let each eater add it as they wish. It really increases the richness of the soup.

Roasted Chestnut and Hazelnut Soup

Roasted Chestnut and Hazelnut Soup

Roasted Chestnut and Hazelnut Soup

Note: Always puncture the shells of chestnuts before cooking to prevent explosion(!). To do this carve an X into the bottom end of the shell with a paring knife, taking care not to puncture the nut inside. To roast chestnuts over a fire, place the scored nuts in a foil pie tin punched with holes, sprinkle with water, and place directly on hot coals. Shake a few times during the roasting to prevent charring. When a fire is not roaring and ready for nuts, any oven will work. Roast the nuts at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or so, until the scored corners of the skin curl back, and peel while still hot. Alternatively, to boil place the scored nuts in a saucepan and cover with either milk or cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 25 minutes, then peel.

1/2 lb peeled chestnuts (roasted, boiled or pre-packaged), roughly chopped

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/3 cup bacon or pancetta, diced

1 large yellow onion, chopped

5 ribs celery, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup dry white wine

6 cups rich chicken stock

1 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned and coarsely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons Frangelico (optional)

salt and pepper, to taste

 

Melt the butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the bacon or pancetta, onion, celery, carrots, garlic and thyme. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and stock, and stir in the chopped chestnuts. Heat to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered 45 minutes, or until everything is soft and the flavors have blended.  Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the hazelnuts, cream and Frangelico. Puree the soup in batches in a blender or in the pot with an immersion blender until it’s as smooth as you can get it. Pour into a clean pot, taste and adjust seasonings, and rewarm gently. Ladle the soup into small bowls and garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche.