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Category: Soups & Stews

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.

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 C. 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 C. 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. 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.

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.

Green Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk and Warm Spices

Green Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk and Warm Spices

Green Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk and Warm Spices

 

1 1/2 cups (275g) French green lentils (brown lentils work in a pinch)

6 cups (1.5l) vegetable or chicken stock

1 bushy sprig fresh thyme

1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric

3 tablespoons butter, vegetable or coconut oil

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

a pinch of freshly-ground nutmeg

1 cup (250ml) coconut milk, or to taste

a few handfuls (~7oz/200g) fresh spinach, chard or kale, washed, tough stems discarded and cut into ribbons (optional)

salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

 

Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris. Combine them in a pot with the stock, thyme and tumeric and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the lentils are soft, about 20 minutes. Fish out the thyme.  While the lentils are cooking, heat the butter or oil in a smallish skillet and sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring frequently, until browned and caramelized in places, about 12-15 minutes. Add the garlic and spices and fry just until deeply aromatic, about 30 seconds. Scrape the contents of the skillet into the pot with the lentils, and add the coconut milk and optional greens too. Bring everything back to a gentle boil and cook another 10 minutes, or until the flavors have blended and the greens are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

60 Clove Creamy Garlic Soup

60 Clove Creamy Garlic Soup

60 Clove Creamy Garlic Soup

 

6 heads garlic

Olive oil

1/2 onion, diced (yellow or white)

1 bundle of thyme

3 cups stock (chicken or vegetable)

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 yellow potato (such as Yukon gold)

2 cups milk of your choice (unsweetened if non-dairy)

1/4 cup dry white wine

Parsley, for garnish

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Trim the tops off the heads of garlic to expose the cloves and transfer to a large piece of foil. Drizzle the heads with olive oil and salt generously. Wrap in foil and roast in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour. Transfer to the fridge until cooled completely. Peel and dice the potato. Add to a pot of salted, boiling water; boil for 8-10 minutes, or until a fork can pierce easily. Drain.

Sauté diced onions in an oiled skillet on medium heat until translucent, about 10-12 minutes. Squeeze the cooled cloves out of each head of garlic and add to a blender or food processor, then add the onion and potato and pulse until a consistent paste forms. Add one cup of milk and blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into a large pot and warm over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Stir in the remaining cup of milk and the broth. Drop in the bundle of thyme and white wine. Cook and stir until you can no longer smell the alcohol but be careful not to let the soup reach a boil. Stir in the shredded Parmesan and add salt and pepper to taste. When ready to serve, remove the bundle of thyme and plate with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, and homemade croutons.

Spicy Coconut Lemongrass Squash Soup

Spicy Coconut Lemongrass Squash Soup

Spicy Coconut Lemongrass Squash Soup

 

32 fl oz vegetable stock

2 lemongrass stalks, inner soft part minced

1 T. grated ginger

1 T. coconut oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 yellow onion, diced

5 cups chopped butternut squash try frozen to save time

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced

1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed

1 tsp. salt

1 13.5 oz can unsweetened coconut milk I used a “light” version

2 limes, zested and juiced with seeds removed

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

 

In a large pot, combine vegetable stock, lemongrass and ginger over medium heat. Allow to simmer while you prepare the other ingredients and execute the next step. In a soup pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat then add garlic, onion, butternut squash and jalapeno pepper. Sauté until soft, or about 10 minutes. Add the stock to the vegetable mixture, cover and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the beans and salt then add coconut milk, cooking for another 2 minutes until they’re incorporated and hot. Use an immersion blender to puree the beans to achieve a creamy texture. Add the lime zest and juice at the end to brighten the flavor and serve hot with cilantro and additional jalapeno if desired.

Spicy Tomato Boullion

Spicy Tomato Boullion

Spicy Tomato Bouillon

1-3/4 cups tomato juice
One (10-3/4 ounce) can condensed beef broth
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. prepared horseradish

Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Serving Size: 1 C.
Calories: 38

Fat: 0 g,

Dietary Fiber: .5g

Celeriac Soup with Seared Scallops & Lovage Oil

Celeriac Soup with Seared Scallops & Lovage Oil

Celeriac Soup with Seared Scallops & Lovage Oil

 

1 celeriac, diced

1 leek, pale parts only, cut in half lengthwise and sliced

1 small parsnip, diced

1 bay leaf

1 sprig thyme

1 sprig Italian parsley

2 T. packed lovage leaves

¼ cup plus 3 T. extra virgin olive oil

12 large sea scallops (about 1 lb.), feet removed

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

¼ tsp. celery seeds, ground

2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

 

Combine the celeriac, leek, parsnip, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and 2 quarts water in a large, heavy pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the celeriac is tender. Meanwhile, combine the lovage and ¼ cup of the oil in a blender and blend until smooth. Gently pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper, sprinkle with the celery seed, and set aside at room temperature for about half an hour. Strain the lovage oil through a fine mesh sieve. Heat a large, heavy sauté pan over high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add the remaining 3 T. of oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the scallops and cook without disturbing for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they release from the pan and are crusty and brown. Using tongs, turn the scallops and continue to cook over high heat another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the desired doneness. Moisture will just begin to accumulate on the surface of the scallops when they are medium-rare. Remove the scallops to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Discard the bay leaf, thyme sprig, and parsley sprig from the soup, remove from the heat, and puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Add the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange the scallops in shallow individual bowls, divide the soup among them, being careful not to pour it directly over the scallops, and drizzle with the lovage oil. Serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6. Celeriac is also known as celery root. Leeks tend to be very dirty, so rinse them thoroughly after you chop them. Celery leaves can be used if lovage leaves are unavailable. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender but remember: never fill a blender more than half way with hot liquid. This means you will need to blend the soup in batches and reheat it before serving.

Mushroom Ciorba with Caraway and Thyme

Mushroom Ciorba with Caraway and Thyme

Mushroom Ciorba with Caraway and Thyme

 

1 ounce dried wild mushrooms

1 cup boiling water

1/4 cup butter

1 lb. white button or cremini mushrooms, wiped, trimmed, and sliced

1 T. caraway seeds

4 C. vegetable stock

1 cup sauerkraut juice

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 tsp. dried red chili flakes

3 T. sour cream or Balkan-style yogurt

1 egg yolk

1 T. unbleached all-purpose flour

sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

sour cream or yogurt, caraway seeds, and fresh thyme for garnish

 

Place dried mushrooms in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drain mushrooms, reserving liquid. Chop reconstituted mushrooms and set aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add caraway seeds and cook for about 1 minute, until they are fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have released all their moisture and begin to caramelize around the edges. Remove from heat and reserve. In a large saucepan, mix stock, sauerkraut juice, and reserved mushroom soaking liquid. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and add the reconstituted dried mushrooms, cooked mushrooms, thyme sprigs (just throw them in whole; the leaves will come away from the branches while cooking), and chili flakes. Simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes. Fish out and remove now-leafless thyme branches. Mix together sour cream or yogurt, egg yolk, and flour in a small bowl. Add a few spoonfuls of the soup broth to the yogurt mixture and stir until well blended. Scrape yogurt mixture into soup, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkling of caraway seeds and fresh thyme leaves.

Sausage Tortellini Soup with Ramp Greens

Sausage Tortellini Soup with Ramp Greens

Sausage Tortellini Soup with Ramp Greens

 

8 C. Chicken Bone Broth

1 pack cheese tortellini cooked

2 links Italian Chicken Sausage sliced

1 medium carrot peeled & chopped

4+ C. Ramp Greens cleaned and chopped

 

In a medium/large pot, lightly sauté chicken sausage in a little fat until brown. Add broth, carrots, ramp greens and tortellini. Simmer to heat through. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Enjoy!

Classic Meadow Mushroom Soup with Wild Mushroom and Herbed Ricotta Tartines

Classic Meadow Mushroom Soup with Wild Mushroom and Herbed Ricotta Tartines

Classic Meadow Mushroom Soup with Wild Mushroom and Herbed Ricotta Tartines

For a mushroom lover, the cornerstone of all recipes is a luscious mushroom soup. We regard this combo as the ultimate soup and sandwich for all the seasons of the year.  After a jackpot of a hunt in any season, this recipe can become luxurious chanterelle soup, porcini soup, or even the wildly extravagant morel soup.

 

1 ounce Dried Porcini Mushrooms, rinsed

4 C. Traditional Mushroom Stock plus up to one more cup to thin soup if needed

8 T., (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced  large clove garlic, finely minced

1 medium onion, cut into ½-inch dice

2 tsp. kosher salt, or more to taste

1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

1½ pounds meadow mushrooms (or portabello, crimini or button mushrooms), cleaned and cut into 1/8-inch slices

2 T. Madeira

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

½ cup heavy cream

½ tsp. fresh lemon juice

 

Place the porcini mushrooms in a medium saucepan with 2 C. mushroom stock. Bring to a boil, turn off the heat and let sit for 30 minutes. In a large stockpot over medium heat add 6 T. butter. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the onion, garlic, ½ tsp. of the salt, and the pepper, stirring to coat evenly with the butter. Cook until softened. Stir in the Mediera. Cook for 3 more minutes, then stir in the porcini mushrooms and their soaking liquid. Add the remaining 2 C. mushroom stock and the thyme. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the remaining ½ tsp. salt and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and, starting on a low speed and increasing in increments, puree until very smooth. Place the soup in a saucepan and return to the stove over medium heat. Add the cream. Whisk in the remaining 2 T. butter and the lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in additional stock if the soup needs thinning. Divide the soup amongst 6 bowls and serve with the tartines.

 

For The Tartines:

 

1 cup ricotta

2 T. finely minced garlic, plus 1 whole garlic clove, peeled

1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme

2 tsp. finely chopped fresh chives

2 tsp. finely chopped flat-leafed parsley, plus

2 T. for garnish

½ tsp. finely chopped tarragon

½ tsp. finely grated lemon zest

¾ tsp. kosher salt

1/8 tsp. plus a pinch freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

4 T. (½ stick) unsalted butter

½ pound wild mushrooms, cleaned and cut into 1/8-inch slices

6 thick slices country bread or ciabatta (¾ inch)

Extra virgin olive oil

Fleur de sel

 

Place the ricotta in a small bowl. Add 1 T. of the garlic, thyme, chives, 2 tsp. of the parsley, tarragon, lemon zest, ½ tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. of the pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well. Set aside. Heat the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the mushrooms, tossing to coat evenly with the butter. Add the remaining ¼ tsp. salt and the pinch of pepper. Cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid. Continue cooking until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are starting to caramelize. Add the remaining 1 T. garlic during the last few minutes of cooking. Remove from the heat and hold in a warm place. Toast the bread under a broiler or in a toaster. While the slices are still warm, rub the toasted surface with the whole garlic clove. Spread the toasts with about 2 T. of the ricotta mixture. Divide the warm mushrooms amongst the toasts. Drizzle with the oil, then finish with a sprinkling of fleur de sell and the remaining 2 T. of parsley. Tips and Techniques: The ricotta mixture can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before serving. Have the soup warm and the ricotta mixture ready before toasting the bread slices. They are best just out of the oven or toaster.

 

Substitutions and Variations

 

For the soup, you can substitute the “tamed” button, cremini, or portobello mushrooms for the wild meadow mushrooms. Almost any wild mushroom can be substituted in the is recipe. Use all of one kind, or mix them half wild and half cultivated. You can use chicken broth, beef broth, or canned mushroom broth for the homemade broth in the recipe. For the tartines, any wild mushroom will work beautifully.

Spring Ragout of Artichoke Hearts, Fava Beans, Peas and Baby Turnips

Spring Ragout of Artichoke Hearts, Fava Beans, Peas and Baby Turnips

Spring Ragout of Artichoke Hearts, Fava Beans, Peas and Baby Turnips

A ragout is basically a well-seasoned stew. This one takes its flavor from the tarragon, which brings out the best in the array of seasonal vegetables.

 

8 cloves garlic, whole and unpeeled

2 pounds fresh fava beans in pods, shelled

Ice cubes

4 T. nonhydrogenated margarine (divided)

4 trimmed and cooked artichoke hearts, halved or quartered, depending on size (see note)

12 baby turnips, peeled

1 cup vegetable broth

1 pound English peas in pods, shelled (or 1 cup frozen, thawed)

2 tsp. coarsely chopped fresh tarragon

1 T. finely chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

 

Put the garlic in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring slowly to a boil over low-medium heat, then drain. Slip the skins off each clove and set aside in a bowl. Refill the saucepan with water and return to a boil over high heat. Drop the fava beans into the boiling water for 1 minute. Immediately drain in a colander and transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water. Then peel the beans. Reserve until needed. Melt half of the margarine in a sauté pan over a medium heat. Once it starts to froth, add the artichoke pieces, turnips and peeled garlic, and sauté until the artichoke pieces become flecked with golden-brown color. Add the vegetable broth and peas, then cook, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover, scatter with the beans and herbs, and shake gently to mix; there should be very little liquid remaining in the pan. If it still looks too wet, increase the heat to high and continue to shake the pan. Add the reserved margarine to form a small amount of sauce. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Serve at once.

Note: To prepare artichoke hearts, cut off and discard all but 1 inch of the stem. Peel remaining stem, rubbing cut artichoke flesh with lemon to avoid discoloring. Remove tough outer leaves (discard, or reserve for steaming and eating separately) until you get to the tender, slightly yellow leaves. Pull off the soft leaves to reveal the fuzzy choke. Using a spoon, scoop out the choke and discard, rubbing exposed flesh with more lemon. Use a paring knife to cut off any tough, dark green parts clinging to the outside of the heart. In a stainless steel or enamel-coated cast-iron Dutch oven filled with a couple of inches of water and lined with a steamer insert, steam artichoke hearts until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.