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Category: Soups & Stews

Potage of Babble

Potage of Babble

“To be prepared in the company of others, particularly those who are gregarious by nature.

Pistou: With a mortar and pestle crush several aromatic cloves of garlic.  Add a handful of freshly picked flowering basil.  Let the guest crush the ingredients until a paste forms.  Add olive oil, mix and set aside.

Potage: Purchase ingredients from the most outspoken farmer in the market.  Sauté two aromatic garlic cloves in the very best olive oil.  Add two leeks (cleaned and chopped), two earthy potatoes (peeled and diced) and two handfuls of fresh white beans.  Stir.  Add chicken stock or water to cover.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer.  Turn on the radio, tune into a lively conversation and leave the room.  About 20 minutes later, add salt and pepper and the pistou.  Turn off radio and serve with a crusty loaf and a good wine.

Caution: Will cause excessive chatter.”

secrets

2-3 T. Pesto

2 T. Vegetable Oil
2 Leeks, thinly Sliced
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
2  Medium sized Potatoes, peeled & diced
A handful of White Beans or 1 can of Navy Beans with the liquid
2 C of any Broth ( Beef, Vegetable, Chicken) I use Vegetarian Chicken

Saute Leeks and Garlic in Oil, until soft.  Add Potatoes, Beans and Broth.  Bring to a boil.  Add Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes.  Remove from heat and add the Pesto.

 

Spice up Canned Soup

Spice up Canned Soup

1. Greens: A handful of leafy greens like frozen spinach, thinly sliced chopped kale or bagged arugula add color, nutrition and a fresh flavor.
2. Acid: A little acid from lemon juice, vinegar, crème fraîche or pickles brighten up even the dullest soup.
3. herbs or spices: Leafy herbs like parsley or cilantro, or spices like toasted cumin or smoked paprika add a ton of flavor with very little work.
4. Meat: Anything from leftover grilled chicken breast to crumbled bacon or sausage can bulk up soups.
5. : Add a sliced hardboiled egg, a soft poached egg, or drizzle a scrambled egg into simmering broth for an egg-drop-style soup.
6. Grains: Leftover cooked grains make for a nice textural contrast.
7. Cooked potato: Ladling hot soup over a baked potato, a roasted sweet potato or leftover mashed potatoes makes for a filling meal.
8. Caramelized onion or shallot: Stirred in or added as a garnish, crispy caramelized onions add a blast of flavor.
9. Grated cheese: Try adding a handful of finely grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar.
10. Bread: Go simple with a few crunchy croutons or all the way with a cheesy, toasted-bread top.

Beef Stew with Turnips

Beef Stew with Turnips

1/img21l4 cup olive oil
2 yellow onions, finely chopped
2 oz. bacon or pancetta, finely diced
3 lb. beef stew meat such as chuck roast or sirloin tip, cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 fresh flat-leaf parsley stems
2 fresh thyme sprigs
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 cups dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Côtes-du-Rhône
3 cups beef or veal broth
1 Tbs. tomato paste
4 turnips or 15 baby turnips, peeled and larger ones cut into wedges
1 bunch turnip greens, stems removed and leaves cut crosswise into strips
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and bacon and sauté until the onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onions and bacon to a plate and set aside. Working in batches, add the beef to the pot in a single layer; do not crowd the pot. Cook, uncovered, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, 7 to 10 minutes. When all the meat is browned, return it to the pot, sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring, until the meat is evenly coated, about 1 minute. Return the onions and bacon to the pot and add the garlic. Using kitchen string, tie the parsley stems, thyme sprigs and bay leaves into a bundle and add to the pot as well. Increase the heat to high, pour in the wine and bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pot bottom. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by one-fourth, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the broth and tomato paste and stir well. Increase the heat to high, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the meat is tender when pierced with a knife, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the herb bundle and discard. Add the turnips, cover and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Add the turnip greens, cover and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the stew into warmed bowls and serve immediately.

15 Ways to Doctor Canned Chicken Noodle Soup

15 Ways to Doctor Canned Chicken Noodle Soup

1da19ef6719b57e323ddebcb3cef82ca4. Add a slice or two of peeled fresh ginger. Remove the ginger before serving.
2. Add a handful of tiny broccoli florets.
3. Toss in ¼ cup of mushrooms that have been lightly sautéed in butter.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to each bowl before serving.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley, snipped chives, or chervil just before serving.
6. Add a pinch of ground cumin and a chopped small tomato.
7. Mix in small can of corn niblets and a healthy grinding of black pepper.
8. Stir in a pinch of curry powder and a handful of finely diced apple.
9. Stir in ¼ cup of drained and rinsed canned white beans and a tablespoon of store-bought pesto.
10. Add a handful of young spinach leaves. Stir; the heat will cook the spinach. Dirzzle extra-virgin olive oil over the soup and serve.
11. Stir in a minced and seeded small jalapeno pepper and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
12. Heat the soup, then puree it in a food processor or blender and ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of store-bought green salsa and some tortilla chips.
13. Stir a handful of watercress leaves into the hot soup. Ladle into bowls and drizzle a little heavy cream over each serving.
14. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and shower each serving with crumbled crisp bacon and chopped scallion.
15. Add a generous handful of frozen peas, another of fresh carrot slices and a couple of sprigs of fresh dill. Remove the dill sprigs before serving and top each bowl with a sprinkling of snipped dill.

Change up the flavor.  Add 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of fresh cilantro (per 1 can of soup) to make a Thai Chicken Noodle Soup.  Or add half of a diced jalapeño, 1/4 cup sliced bell pepper, 2 tablespoons shredded cheese, and a few crushed tortilla chips (per 1 can of soup) for Mexican Chicken Noodle Soup

Boost the flavor with additional herbs. Try adding oregano, basil, thyme, and ground pepper to boost up the basic flavor of canned chicken noodle soup. Add small amounts of herbs at a time and taste test until your preferred flavor is reached.

Cheese Tortellini in a Spinach and Ginger Broth

Cheese Tortellini in a Spinach and Ginger Broth

6 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth (from one 49-oz can)
1 tsp. pre-chopped ginger or peeled chopped fresh ginger
1 package (9 oz.) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Black pepper
2 scallions (green onions), green parts only, chopped (for 1/4 cup), for garnish
1/4 cup pre-grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving

Place the chicken brother and ginger in a 4-quart saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and bring to a boil, then add the tortellini. Reduce the heat to low, and let simmer until the tortellini are plump and nearly done, 5 minutes. Add the spinach and season with pepper to taste. Cover the pan and let the broth simmer until the spinach is wilted and the tortellini are soft but the cheese centers are still firm, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Garnish each serving with some scallions and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

White Bean Soupe Au Pistou

White Bean Soupe Au Pistou

bean1 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced zucchini
2 cans (15.5 oz) great northern beans, drained
3 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with garlic & onions, drained
1 cup 1-inch pieces of vermicelli
2 tbsp. pesto

Place the olive oil in a 4 quart sauce pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring constantly until the slices are soft and begin to brown around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the beans, chicken broth, and tomatoes and stir. Season with pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer until flavors blend, about 15 minutes. Stir in the vermicelli pieces and 1 tbsp of the pesto. Cover the pan and let simmer until the vermicelli is al dente, 4 to 5 minutes longer. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish each serving with some of the remaining 1 tbsp of pesto.

Soup Toppers

Soup Toppers

1Soup-Toppings_V_W. Chopped Nuts or Seeds
2. Crostini, croutons and other crunchy things. Go beyond the ordinary. Try an olive and goat cheese toast, a parmesan crisp, or crumbled cheese crackers. Crisp tortilla strips can work in more than just tortilla soup. Try cutting shapes from a flour tortilla and frying them in vegetable oil until crisp. Season your croutons in interesting ways – coconut curry for instance.
3. Minced Fresh Herbs – break away from parsley. Try fennel fronds, cilantro, rosemary or thyme. Minced scallion or chives add a light onion flavor.
4. Cheese — Try a crumbled queso fresco, a shake of parmesan, or the old standby, grated cheddar.
5. Vegetables – add freshly chopped vegetables to the top to echo a vegetable in the soup. Sautéed vegetables can be nice too, try mushroom and onion, or a colorful trio of bell pepper.
6. Heat – diced jalapenos, a spicy bottled salsa, crushed red pepper flakes, a shake or two of tabasco
7. Velvety Creams – Stir a flavoring into light sour cream or plain yogurt. Try citrus zest, horseradish, or lemon pepper. Apply to soup from a squeeze bottle for a pretty presentation. Place several dollops in the middle of the soup and pull a toothpick through the center to form a heart shape. For a ring of hearts, put your sour cream in a squirt bottle, squeeze small dots about 1/4″ in from the outer edge of the soup, drag a toothpick through all the dots to form a ring of hearts. For a spider web, with the sour cream in the squeeze bottle, starting in the middle of the soup, squeeze a circle of sour cream. Then another circle around that about 1/2″ toward the edge of the bowl. Make 4 or 5 circles, or however many you can fit. Drag a toothpick from the center toward the edge of the bowl. One inch away from that, drag the toothpick from the edge of the bowl to the center. Continue, alternating direction, until you have a spider web atop your soup.

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Consider having a few crunchy options like croutons or toasted nuts (pumpkin seeds are always a favorite). I also love having sour cream, a little bowl of shredded cheese, chopped green onions and parsley, and some sort of pesto or salsa verde.

Cut puff pastry into squares. Brush with egg/water mixture and sprinkle herbs de provence over the tops. Lay pastry squares on the baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.

Garlic Butter Croutons
Sauté minced garlic in butter over medium-low heat for one minute. Add bread cubes. Cook and stir until toasted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Variations: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Parmesan Crisps
Place tablespoon-size mounds of grated Parmesan cheese 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350° F for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool to firm up before removing. Variations: Add minced herbs to cheese before baking.

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Stars
Use mini cookie cutters to cut shapes out of flour or corn tortillas. Toss with oil or butter and cinnamon sugar. Bake at 375° F for 10 minutes. Variations: Go savory with cumin or smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Toasted Sweet Potato Strips
Use a vegetable peeler to make thin strips. Toss with oil or butter, and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 375° F for 10 minutes, or until lightly crunchy. Variations: Season with cayenne, curry powder, or cinnamon sugar. 

More Quick Ideas for Great Garnishes

  • Matchstick apple slices tossed with lemon juice
  • Sage leaves fried in brown butter
  • Slivered garlic fried in oil until lightly brown and crisp
  • Sliced and fried shallots
  • Baked kale, beet, or carrot chips
  • Minced herbs (whichever kind you used in cooking the soup)
  • For curried soups and Mexican-influenced soups, stir lime juice into sour cream or yogurt with a pinch of sugar; spoon onto soup just before serving.
  • A little grated ginger, finely chopped orange zest, or a dash of curry powder are also good in a cream topping for curried soups.
  • A dollop of cream will help tone down the fire in spicy soups.
  • A spoonful of salsa, or a few chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, or cucumbers add a cool, fresh taste to your soup.
  • A dusting of finely grated hard cheese such as Parmesan, Romano, or Emmenthaler, adds lots of flavor but not much fat.

 

Pork Green Chile

Pork Green Chile

Pork-Green-Chile-Stew-flipped-resized
4 pounds pork butt or shoulder roast
1/4 cup cooking oil or lard
Salt, to taste
2 medium yellow onions, peeled and diced
4 large cloves garlic, peeled and diced
4-6 tomatillos, husks removed, washed, trimmed and diced
8 Anaheim (long green) chiles, roasted, de-veined and skinned
4 large poblano chiles, roasted, de-veined and skinned
1-2 jalapeños, seeded, diced (or to taste)
1-2 serrano chiles, diced (or to taste)
1 lime
1 -2 tablespoons freshly cut cilantro leaves, minced

Trim the pork, cutting off most of the fat, silver skin and any other gristly parts. Cut the meat into 1-inch dice. In a large saute or frying pan, pour in the oil and warm it up. Cook the diced pork in batches. This way you can spread the pieces out so they don’t touch one another. This means it will brown rather than stew. Add a little salt to each batch that you fry. After each batch of pork is lightly browned, transfer it to the pot that you are going to simmer the chile in. When you are browning the last batch, the pan may have become dry, with a lot of golden brown on the bottom. Before the last batch of meat is completely browned, add the onions, garlic and tomatillo and continue to cook, stirring. The moisture of the vegetables will help loosen up the browned bits. With a wooden stirring spoon, you also can scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and get all that flavor into your stew. When the meat and vegetables are browned and in the larger pot, dice all of the trimmed chiles into pieces roughly an inch or two wide, add to the pot. Add the diced jalapeños and serrano chiles. Stir and cover the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it simmer, covered, until the chile has cooked down and the pork is getting tender. If the chiles are very fresh, they’ll put off more liquid. If you want the dish very thick, take the lid off the top of the pot and let it reduce. When the pork is fork tender, squeeze in the juice from half of the lime and add the cilantro. Stir and taste for seasoning (salt, more lime if you like).

Bistro Beef in Beer Stew

Bistro Beef in Beer Stew

1/4 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. each dried thyme, marjoram leaves and black pepper

2 lb. beef stewing cubes

2 T. vegetable oil

1 C. dark flat beer

1 C. beef stock

2 T. tomato paste

1 T. each Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 C. baby carrots

1 C. button mushrooms

1/2 C. sour cream

 

In a large heavy plastic bag, combine flour, salt, thyme, marjoram and pepper. In batches, add beef cubes to flour mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to a plate. In a large non-stick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; cook beef, in batches, adding more oil as needed, for 8-10 minutes or until browned on all sides. With slotted spoon, transfer to 3.5 to 6 l (3 1/2 to 6 quartt) slow cooker. Add beef and stock to skillet and bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up any brown bits. Transfer to slow cooker. Add tomato paste, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, carrots and mushrooms to slow cooker; mix well. Cook, covered, on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours or until vegetables are tender and stew is bubbling. Stir in sour cream just before serving.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 382

Fat: 19g

Fiber:

 

Bobby’s Goulash

Bobby’s Goulash

Frame 325

2 T. EVOO
3 pounds ground beef
2 large onions, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes
1 29oz can tomato sauce
3 T. soy sauce
2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 C. uncooked elbow macaroni

In a large dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in the oil about 10 minutes, breaking meat up with a fork as it cooks. Add the onion; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients except the macaroni. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in the macaroni; simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Let the goulash stand for 20 minutes before serving.

Pasta e Fagioli with Sausage Dumplings

Pasta e Fagioli with Sausage Dumplings

2 tablespoons EVOO 3042PastaSausage6_320_final
4 thin slices pancetta, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 bay leaf
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
Salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained (I used garbanzo beans)
3/4 pound ground pork
1 egg
1/4 cup (a handful) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (a handful) grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cup ditalini-shaped pasta (I used small shells)
1 loaf crusty bread

Place a large saucepot over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the pancetta to the pan and cook until crispy, 3-4 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and garlic to the pan with some salt and pepper, and cook until the veggies are tender, 5-6 minutes. Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook until aromatic and brick red in color, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock, water and beans to the pot, and bring the liquids up to a bubble. While the soup is heating up, combine the pork, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, fennel seeds, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix everything well with your hands to combine. When liquids are at a bubble, reduce the heat to medium and form the meat into 1-inch balls, dropping them into the soup as you go. Simmer the dumplings until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Turn the heat back up to medium-high, add the pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions. Serve the soup with some crusty bread alongside and more grated Parm at the table.

Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Wild Rice Soup

1 ounce dried mushrooms, any variety
6 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 carrots, coarsely chopped
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
Salt and pepper
One 6-ounce box long-grain and wild rice mix
3/4 pound white mushrooms, sliced
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup heavy cream

Using a food processor, soak the dried mushrooms in 1 cup chicken broth for 10 minutes. Process until coarsely chopped, about 20 seconds.2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion and sage and cook, stirring, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add the rehydrated mushroom mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining 5 cups broth, the rice mix and the sliced mushrooms and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breast, lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the chicken breast is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred; return to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream; season with salt and pepper and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Tomato-Basil-Parmesan-Soup-32 tablespoons olive oil

4 stalks celery

4 medium carrots

½ large onion

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1 tablespoon dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp. dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano

1 bay leaf

2 (14.5 oz.) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes with juice

4 cups chicken stock

4 tablespoons butter

¼ cup flour

2 cups half and half, heavy cream or milk (or a combination)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

 

Add celery, carrots, onion and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely minced (or mince by hand). Heat oil in a 4 qt. soup pot. Add minced vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes. Add basil, oregano, bay leaf, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender. While soup simmers, melt butter over low heat; add flour and cook, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups of hot soup and stir until smooth. Add soup/flour mixture back into soup pot. Simmer, stirring constantly, until soup begins to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk to blend. Stir in warmed half and half/cream/milk, salt and pepper. Simmer an additional 15-20 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf and serve. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

 

Thai Red Curry Chicken

Thai Red Curry Chicken

f8ea780e5fb54e7c7ceb6aedbde6f2711 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 T. coconut oil
3 cups coconut milk, light or regular
1 1/2 cups water
3 T. red curry paste
2 baby bok choy, chopped
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1″ knob ginger, grated
1 cup chopped snow peas
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4″ thick pieces
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. fish sauce
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp. salt
Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Heat the coconut oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium high heat. When hot, add the ginger and sauté until fragrant — 2 minutes. Add the chicken and sear until not quite cooked through. Then, add the curry paste. Mix the ginger, chicken and curry paste together and continue to sauté over high heat for another two minutes. Pour in the coconut milk and water, then add the bok choy, bell pepper, chopped snow peas and sweet potatoes. Bring curry to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Stir in the fish sauce, salt, lime juice and sugar. Continue simmering over medium/low heat until veggies are soft. This will take about 10 minutes. Serve curry over rice or quinoa.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

7faa462db8db009c30f0185c8cc50ee63/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend*
1 cup chopped yellow onion (from about 1 small onion)
1 cup diced carrots (from 2 medium)
1 cup diced celery (from 2 – 3 stalks)
7 T. butter, diced, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (measured from 3 14.5 oz cans)
1/4 tsp of each dried thyme, marjoram, sage and rosemary
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts halves
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp lemon zest

Prepare rice according to directions listed on package. Halfway through the rice cooking, in a separate large pot, melt 1 T. butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery and sauté until slightly tender, about 4 minutes, adding in garlic during last 30 seconds of sautéing. Add chicken broth, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Increase heat to medium-high, add chicken and bring mixture to a boil. Cover pot with lid and allow mixture to boil 12 – 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (rotating chicken to opposite side once during cooking for thicker chicken breasts – if they don’t fully immerse in broth). Remove chicken and set aside on cutting board to cool 5 minutes then shred into small bite size pieces. Meanwhile reduce heat to low and add cooked rice. Add shredded chicken to soup. In a separate medium saucepan (I just rinsed and wiped out the rice pan), melt remaining 6 T. butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook 1 1/2 minutes, whisking constantly. Then, while whisking vigorously, slowly pour milk into butter/flour mixture. Cook mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add milk mixture to soup mixture in pot and cook about 5 minutes longer, or until soup is thickened (at this point, you can simmer the soup for a longer period of time if you want the rice to soften more, just cover with lid first and stir occasionally. You can also add what’s left in the remaining can of chicken broth). Stir in heavy cream and lemon zest and serve warm.

*I used Lundberg Wild Blend Rice which I recommend for this recipe if you can find it.

French Beef Stew

French Beef Stew

20910281 1/2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
2 T. vegetable oil
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
4 carrots, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
3/4 tsp. dried thyme
2 T. Dijon-style prepared mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine meat and flour in a large plastic food storage bag and toss to coat evenly. In a 6 quart saucepan brown meat in hot vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, carrots, potatoes and thyme. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover; and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender. Blend in mustard and serve.

Beef & Beer Stew

Beef & Beer Stew

7870788790_f99f2e006a_o5lb beef brisket, cut into 2″ cubes
Salt and pepper
1 stick butter
4lb onions, sliced
6 T. flour
1 12oz bottle dark beer
3 C. beef broth
3lb yellow potatoes, such as Yukon gold, peeled
1 C. milk

Preheat oven to 325. Season the brisket with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy skillet, melt 1 teaspoon butter over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the brisket and cook 8 minutes; transfer to a large Dutch oven and reserve the skillet. Add 2 teaspoons butter to the skillet. Add one-third of the onions and cook over medium heat until softened; push to the side of the pan. Repeat with the remaining onions, then cook over medium heat, stirring, until browned, about 8 minutes more. Transfer to the Dutch oven. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet, over medium heat; add the flour and cook, stirring, until the mixture is golden. Whisk in the beer, then the beef broth; bring to a boil, whisking until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meat and onions and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover the pot and cook in the oven for 2 hours. Remove the lid and cook until the meat is fork-tender, 30 minutes. Set aside and let rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large pot, place the potatoes in salted water to cover; bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and mash. Beat in the milk and season with salt and pepper. Serve the stew over the mashed potatoes.

Spicy Tuscan Soup

Spicy Tuscan Soup

1DSCF9280 pound Spicy Breakfast Sausage
1 whole Medium Red Onion, Diced
2 slices Bacon, Diced
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
3 whole Medium Potatoes
1 quart Warm Water
3 cubes Chicken Bouillon
¼ bunches Kale, Roughly Chopped
½ cups Heavy Cream
Salt And Pepper, to taste
Crumble sausage into a Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain off the grease and set the sausage aside. Add onions and bacon into the Dutch oven. Reduce heat to medium and cook until onions are clear. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and cut into 1/4″ slices. Add warm water, bouillon cubes and potatoes to the Dutch oven and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are almost done. Add remaining ingredients as well as the sausage and simmer for 5 more minutes. Let cool and serve with warm garlic breadsticks. Enjoy!

Corn Avocado Soup with Cheese Toasts

Corn Avocado Soup with Cheese Toasts

l_R1802114 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
1 jalapeno chile, seeded
4 avocados, halved and peeled
Grated peel of 1 lime and juice of 3 limes
3/4 C. cilantro leaves
salt and pepper
3 C. chicken broth
2 C. fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears) or one 10oz box of frozen corn, thawed and patted dry
1/2 baguette, sliced on an angle and toasted
4oz feta or queso fresco cheese, sliced

Using a food processor, finely chop 2 cloves garlic and the jalapeno. Add the avocados, lime peel, lime juice and 1/2 cup cilantro leaves; season to taste with salt and pepper. Process until just combined. With the machine on, slowly pour in the chicken broth until smooth. If the soup is too thick, slowly add up to 1 cup water. In a small nonstick skillet, toast the corn kernels over medium heat, stirring, until lightly browned. Season with salt and let cool. Stir 1 1/2 cups corn kernels into the soup. Preheat the broiler. Rub 1 side of each toast with the remaining 2 cloves garlic and top with a slice of cheese. Broil the toasts until the cheese is softened. Top the soup with the remaining 1/2 cup corn kernels and the remaining 1/4 cup cilantro. Serve with the toasts.

Charred Tomato Soup with Pesto and Prosciutto Stromboli

Charred Tomato Soup with Pesto and Prosciutto Stromboli

6 ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise

1 small red onion, cut into chunks

2 T. EVOO

slat and pepper

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

1 T flour or cornmeal

1/2 C. pesto

12 slices proscuitto di parma

4 slices provolone

2 T sesame seeds

2 t Italian seasoning

1 t crushed red pepper flakes

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 quart chicken stock or broth

1 C. heavy cream

20 fresh basil leaves, shredded or torn

IMG_2859

Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the plum tomato halves skin side down, with the onions on a rimmed cookie sheet. Drizzle EVOO on the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Broil for about 4 minutes, flip and continue to broil for 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes and onions are slightly charred. Lower the oven setting to 400 deg. F. Dust your hands and the dough lightly with flour or cornmeal and unroll the dough out onto a work surface. Stretch out the dough, gently spreading its rectangle shape. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces: working across the dough cut it in half and cut each half in half again. Cover each piece of dough with 2 T of pesto. Fold 3 slices of the prosciutto and 1 slice of the provolone to fit each pesto-covered piece of dough, then roll each piece on an angle from corner to corner, making a long roll that is thicker in the middle and thinner on each end. Brush the rolls with EVOO, then mix the sesame seeds, dried italian seasoning and 1/2 t red pepper flakes in a small C.. Sprinkle and pat the mixture onto the strombolies, place in the oven, and bake until evenly golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Place the tomatoes and onions in a blender or food processor, and puree until somewhat smooth. Preheat a soup pot over medium high heat, add the 2 T of EVOO, add the garlic and the remaining 1/2 t of red pepper flakes.  sauté the garlic for a minute, then add the pureed veggies and the chicken stock. When the soup comes to a bubble, add the cream, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer the soup for 8 to 10 minutes. When ready to serve, turn off the soup and stir in the basil. Adjust the salt and pepper. Serve the soup alongside the pesto and prosciutto stromboli, dipping them into the soup as you eat them.

 

 

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Orange-Tomato Consommé with Lemongrass and Fresh Ginger

Orange-Tomato Consommé with Lemongrass and Fresh Ginger

3 C. tomato juice, divided

4 large green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

1 (3-inch) piece lemongrass, trimmed and sliced

1 (1 1/2-inch) cube fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

1 large garlic clove

3 C. beef broth

3 C. orange juice

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Garnish: Green Onion Flowers

 

Puree 2 C. tomato juice and next 4 ingredients in a blender until smooth. Set aside. Whisk remaining 1 C. tomato juice, broth, and orange juice in a large nonreactive pitcher. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 C. into an ice-cube tray, and freeze 2 hours or until frozen. Combine tomato mixture in blender with remaining broth mixture in pitcher in a nonreactive bowl; season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Divide frozen cubes and tomato consommé among 6 decorative glasses or bowls, and garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.

 

 

 

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Busy Night Turkey Taco Soup with Avocado Cream

Busy Night Turkey Taco Soup with Avocado Cream

turkeytaco2 1/2 C. Turkey Breast Cutlets or leftover Turkey, cooked and chopped

1 (11 oz .) can Mexican-style corn

1 (16 oz.) can chili beans, undrained

2 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth

1 (16 oz.) jar chunky salsa

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 C. low-fat sour cream

2 T. guacamole

 

In a large pot over medium heat, combine corn, chili beans, broth and salsa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in cooked turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Cover, and cook 5 to 10 minutes more, until heated through. Stir in cilantro. In a bowl, stir together sour cream and guacamole until smooth. Ladle soup into bowls and top with guacamole mixture.

 

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Leek and Fennel Chowder with Smoked Salmon

Leek and Fennel Chowder with Smoked Salmon

Use either soft, cold-smoked salmon (also called lox or Nova-style) or firmer, hot-smoked salmon (also called kippered), or offer both for an interesting mix.

3 pounds leeks Leek and Fennel Chowder with Smoked Salmon
2 heads fennel (each 3 in. at widest dimension; 2 1/2 to 3 lb. total)
3/4 cup thinly sliced chives
2 tablespoons butter
5 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 dried bay leaf
3 pounds thin-skinned potatoes
1 pound thin-sliced smoked salmon
5 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
About 1/2 teaspoon salt
About 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Trim and discard root ends and coarse tops from leeks. Cut leeks in half lengthwise and rinse under running water, flipping layers to flush out grit; drain, then thinly slice crosswise. Rinse fennel. Trim off and discard root ends and stalks; reserve 2 or 3 sprigs of feathery green tops for garnish, and finely chop enough of the remaining feathery leaves to make 3 tablespoons (discard any remaining greens). In a bowl, mix chopped greens with chives; cover and chill. Chop fennel heads. In a 6- to 8-quart pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add leeks and chopped fennel heads, cover, and stir occasionally until vegetables are very limp, 10 to 12 minutes. Add broth and bay leaf to pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Scrub potatoes and cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes. Add potatoes to broth mixture and return to a simmer; reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced, 15 to 20 minutes. Cut salmon into strips 2 to 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide; put in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Add to potato-broth mixture and stir over high heat until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve soup from pan, or pour into a tureen. Garnish with reserved fennel sprigs. Offer with smoked salmon and chive mixture to add to taste.

Yield: 8-10 servings
Calories: 357
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 8.6g

Green Chickpea & Chicken Curry with Swiss Chard

Green Chickpea & Chicken Curry with Swiss Chard

a6b47faad8fdfff34e95574bef2354812 tablespoons olive oil
6 chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 shallots, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons green curry paste
2 tablespoons chili paste
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 14-ounce can coconut milk
2 cups water
1 14-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 bunch Swiss chard, cleaned, trimmed and thinly sliced

Heat your olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot. Add in your cubed chicken and cook over medium heat until almost fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Add in your shallots and continue to cook until the shallots are softened, about another 5-6 minutes. Add in the curry paste, chili paste, kosher salt, ginger, coconut milk, and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Add in the additional cup of water. Bring back up to a boil, then add in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and simmer for 20 minutes. After simmering, add in the trimmed and sliced Swiss chard. When you’re trimming the chard, the thicker, whiter parts are generally too tough to eat, but the smaller, tenderer colored stalks and all of the leafy greens will soften as they cook. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve alone or with some naan or pita bread.

Estofado de Almendras (Oaxacan Almond and Chicken Stew)

Estofado de Almendras (Oaxacan Almond and Chicken Stew)

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2 ea. Chicken, whole, cut into serving pieces, rinsed and pat dry
7 T. Olive oil
1 lb. Roma tomatoes
1/2 cup Black raisins
1 cup Almonds, slivered
3 Garlic cloves, peeled
1 White onion, sliced
1 Plantain, ripe, peeled and sliced
3oz. Bread, brioche
1 Canela, Mexican cinnamon stick,
2 Cloves, whole
4 Black peppercorns, whole
20 Manzanilla olives
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

¼ C. Almonds, whole, skin removed
½ Raisins, black
1/3 Chiles Jalapeños en Escabeche, strips

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven and sauté the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Reserve the fat in the pan for later use. Place the tomatoes in a medium pan, barely cover with water, and bring to a boil and cook until soft. Do not let them burst open. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and fry the following ingredients separately: onion, garlic, raisins, slivered almonds, plantain, bread, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns. Purée the tomatoes and fried ingredients in a blender. Add a generous amount of water to form a smooth, thin textured purée. Fry the sauce in the reserved fat, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and the olives. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet and sauté the whole almonds and raisins until the almonds turn golden brown and the raisins plump. Garnish the estofado with the whole almonds, raisins, and the chiles jalapeños en escabeche.

Cheddar Ale Soup

Cheddar Ale Soup

cheddaralesoupo½ cup diced bacon

1 T. butter

1 cup chopped carrot

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

¾ cup chopped green pepper

3 cups chicken stock

1 ½ cups beer

3 ½ cups milk

1 pound of sharp Vermont Cheddar Cheese, shredded

²⁄ ³ cup flour

½ cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish

 

Melt the butter in a large soup pot. Sauté the bacon in the butter until crisp and brown. Remove bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Add the vegetables to the bacon drippings and cook, stirring until the onion is transparent. Add the chicken stock and the beer to the pot and bring to boiling. Then lower the heat to simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender. In a separate pan scald the milk over medium heat. Combine the cheese and flour in a bowl and toss to combine. When the milk is hot, add the cheese-flour mixture. Cook and stir until the cheese melts and the mixture thickens. Add the cheese mixture to the soup pot along with the heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Heat to serving temperature. Garnish with the reserved bacon and parsley.

 

Potato Corn Chowder

Potato Corn Chowder

4 Idaho potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 large celery stalk, thinly sliced

1 red or green bell pepper, chopped

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced

1/4 tsp. turmeric, (optional)

21 oz. canned low sodium chicken broth

1 tsp. cider vinegar

1 10 oz. package whole frozen corn

1 C. 1% lowfat milk

2 T. cornstarch

1 C. lowfat cheddar cheese, shredded

 

In large saucepan, combine first eight ingredients.  Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes.  Stir together the cornstarch and milk.  Add to chowder along with the corn.  Bring to a boil, and boil one minute, stirring constantly.  Serve chowder garnished with about 2 T. of cheese.

 

Chickpea Soup with Tomatoes and Warming Spices

Chickpea Soup with Tomatoes and Warming Spices

chickpea soup2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 sticks celery, washed and diced
1 large fresh rosemary sprig
1 tablespoon of fresh sage
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
A good sized pinch of red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2, 14 oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1, 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
Water
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese

In a large pan or Dutch oven heat the olive oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sprinkle with some sea salt and sauté on low for about 10-15 minutes until just caramelizing. Add the garlic, carrots, rosemary, parsley, sage and celery and continue to cook for another 5 minutes making sure the vegetables don’t burn. Add the spices and chickpeas and stir well. Add the tomatoes and enough water to cover the vegetables and chickpeas and stir in a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cover. Cook for approximately 40-50 minutes checking occasionally to make sure the soup is not too thick, add a little more water if needed and continue cooking until the vegetables are cooked through and the chickpeas are cooked but not mushy. Remove from heat and serve with a little extra fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.

Celeriac Soup with Napa Cabbage and Bacon

Celeriac Soup with Napa Cabbage and Bacon

soupceleriac2 oz. butter

2 onions, chopped

1 1/2 lb. celeriac, roughly diced

1 lb. potatoes, roughly diced

5 C. turkey stock

15 oz. evaporated milk

salt and pepper to taste

 

1 small head Napa cabbage

8 oz. bacon, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

 

Melt the butter in a soup pot and cook onions until softened. Add celeriac and cover, steam for ten minutes without disturbing. Remove lid, stir in potatoes and turkey stock and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes and celeriac are tender. Either remove half the solids to a blender to puree and return to the pot, or use an immersion blender to blend about half of the solid vegetables. Meanwhile, prepare the cabbage and bacon topping. Discard the outer leaves of the cabbage and roughly chop the rest of the head. Cook the bacon in a small frying pan until crispy, add the chopped cabbage and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add evaporated milk to soup, bring back up to a boil. Serve in heated bowls and top with cabbage and bacon mixture. Goes well with crusty bread for dipping.

 

 

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Ground Pork Wonton Soup

Ground Pork Wonton Soup

1/2 lb ground pork

2 tsp. soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch

1 1/2 tsp. shaoxing

1 1/2 inch knob ginger, minced

1 small bunch green onions, minced

Wonton wrappers

8 C. chicken, pork, mushroom or shrimp stock

1 2 inch knob ginger, sliced

4 dried shiitake mushrooms, sliced

3 tsp. shaoxing

2 tsp. soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, halved

Diced green onions

Sliced char siu

1 bunch green onions

Mix all of the wonton filling ingredients together. Place a tsp. of filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges. Fold the ends together to form a triangle. Fold the two sides together. Repeat. Place finished dumplings on a plate and cover with a clean, dry towel. Meanwhile, bring all of the soup ingredients to a boil. Drain out the solids, return to stove. Add the dumplings, the now rehydrated mushrooms and char siu to the broth. Discard the rest of the solids. Cook until the dumplings float and are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Ladle into individual bowls, sprinkle with green onions.

 

 

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Sweet Potato and Leek Soup with Crisp Fried Scallions

Sweet Potato and Leek Soup with Crisp Fried Scallions

2 1/2 lb. Sweet Potatoes or Yams

1/2 stick Butter

1 1/2 C. thinly sliced Leeks, white parts only

6 C. Chicken Stock (or Smoked Turkey Stock)

1 C. crème fraîche or 2/3 C. Heavy Cream mixed with 1/3 C. Sour Cream

Salt and Pepper

1 C. Vegetable Oil for Frying

8 Scallions, trimmed and julienned

 

Preheat oven to 425. Prick sweet potatoes or yams several times and bake on a rack until very tender, about an hour. Remove from oven and set aside. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and toss to coat. Add one C. stock, cover with tight fitting lid, and cook over very low heat until leeks are very tender, about 30 minutes. Pour leeks into bowl of food processor fitted with metal blade and pulse until well pureed. Scoop sweet potato out of the skin and add pulp to food processor, pulse again until smooth. In heavy saucepan, combine puree with remaining 5 C. stock and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until warmed through. Add crème fraîche, blend well, and continue to simmer until heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, heat oil in a wok until it shimmers. Add scallions and deep fry until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to drain on paper towels. Divide soup into serving bowls and garnish with fried scallions and serve.

 

 

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Cream of Onions Soup with Stilton

Cream of Onions Soup with Stilton

1/4 C. butter

4 C. white onions; finely diced

1 1/2 C. leeks; chopped, white part only

3/4 C. shallots; finely diced

2 carrots — finely chopped

3 T. fresh parsley; minced

1 tsp. dried tarragon

3 T. flour

5 C. milk

3/4 C. port wine

1/2 pound blue cheese; Stilton — grated

3 slices bacon — cooked, crumbled

3 T. fresh chives; minced

 

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over low heat. Add onions, leeks, shallots, carrots, parsley and tarragon. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions and carrots are tender, about 20 minutes. Puree vegetables in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Return puree to the saucepan. Sprinkle puree with flour and stir over low heat for about 3 minutes to cook flour. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until mixture is hot and thickened. Add port and stir until heated through. Add cheese and stir over medium-low heat until melted and evenly blended. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.

 

 

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Basic Black Bean Soup

Basic Black Bean Soup

1 15-ounce can black beans, undrained

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

2 fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Combine beans, onion, garlic, cumin, and tomatoes in large saucepan.  Cook 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat until onion is tender.  Stir occasionally, and add water as needed to prevent sticking.  Remove from heat.  Cool.  Puree half of soup in blender or food processor until smooth, and return it to saucepan.  If soup is too thick, add water to desired consistency.  Reheat soup.  Sprinkle with cilantro, salt, and pepper just before serving.

 

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Thai Crab-Coconut Soup

Thai Crab-Coconut Soup

1 oz. onion, peeled and minced

1 oz. ginger, peeled and minced

1 oz. garlic, peeled and minced

2 oz. lemongrass, crushed and minced

1 large T. red curry paste

1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

1 large russet potato, peeled and large diced

½ gallon chicken broth, low sodium

12 oz. coconut milk, lite variety

1 lb. fresh Dungeness crab claws

1 oz. cilantro, chopped

In a large soup pot add minced onions, ginger, garlic, lemon grass and curry paste. Heat these spices over medium heat until lightly golden in color.  Add sliced onions, potatoes, chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil and turn down to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes or until initial soup volume has reduced by half. Add the crab and cilantro

 

Yield:  4 servings

Calories: 323

Fat: 16.3g

Fiber:

Thick and Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Thick and Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

2 lb. fresh broccoli

1 C. green onions (chopped and tops and bottoms separated)

2 (10 oz.) cans chicken broth

1 lb. Colby cheese

1-1 1/2 lb. American cheese or cheddar cheese

1 C. half-and-half

2 T. flour

3 T. butter

1 T. fresh ground pepper

1-2 T. cornstarch (to thicken)

1/2 C. water

1 T. oil

 

Steam Broccoli by either putting in Microwave safe dish with lid and a small amount of water, or on stove in a Covered sauce pan and small amount of water.  Cook just until soft.  Oil skillet 1/8″ in bottom. Heat, then add 3 TBS Butter.  Add 2 T. Flour, chopped Green onion bottoms and ground Pepper. Cook until Yellow in color, just enough so the flour is not raw.  Add 2 Cans of Chicken Broth. Stir quickly, using whisk if you have one.  Add Steamed Broccoli and any pan liquids.  Add Green Onion tops, and Simmer 15-20 minutes on Med heat.  This will slightly reduce liquid and impart flavors.  Reduce heat.  Add Colby and American Cheeses.  Cook on low 1 minute.  Add 1 C. Half and Half slowly, so it will not clump.  Here you must watch temperature, so keep it on low.  Cook 10 minutes.  Add Cornstarch to water and stir.  Pour in 1/2 of cornstarch Mixture and stir.  Then pour in 2nd half of Mixture and stir.  Turn heat off and stir until thick.

 

 

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Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Soup

Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Soup

pepper

6 red bell peppers, roasted or two 13-ounce cans roasted sweet red peppers

2 T. of vegetable oil

2 C. chopped onions

2 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole

1 tsp. red pepper flakes or ¼ tsp. cayenne, more to taste

1 tsp. salt

2 C. undrained canned tomatoes (16-ounce can)

1 ¾ C. reduced-fat coconut milk (14-ounce can)

2 C. water

 

If you’ve roasted fresh red peppers, set them aside in a tightly covered bowl to cool and then stem, seed, and peel them. If you’re using canned roasted red peppers, rinse them well in a colander and set aside to drain. In a covered non-reactive soup pot on medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onions, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt and sauté for about 15 minutes, until the onions are very soft and translucent. Remove the pot from the heat and add the tomatoes, coconut milk, water, and the roasted red peppers.  In batches in a blender, puree the soup until smooth. Return it to the soup pot and cook on medium heat until hot. Serve immediately.

 

 

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Roasted Garlic and Smoky Greens Soup Recipe

Roasted Garlic and Smoky Greens Soup Recipe

soupegg3 large garlic heads

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving

2 medium leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced crosswise (white and pale green parts only)

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 medium russet potato, peeled and medium dice

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more as needed

4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

12 ounces kale, tough stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 4 cups)

1 cup water

4 poached eggs (optional)

 

Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Peel any loose outer skins from the garlic heads and cut off the top quarter of each head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic heads, cut side up, on a large piece of foil, drizzle 1 tablespoon of the oil over all 3 heads, and wrap tightly to form a foil packet. Place the packet on a baking sheet and bake until the garlic cloves are golden brown and very tender, about 60 to 75 minutes. Remove from the oven, open the packet, and let the garlic sit until cool enough to handle. Squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins and place in a small bowl; set aside. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the leeks, bay leaves, and rosemary, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until the leeks have begun to soften and the herbs are fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the potato, roasted garlic, and paprika, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a bit of crust begins to form on the bottom of the pan, about 10 minutes. Add the broth and, using a wooden spoon, loosen the crusty bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tightfitting lid, and let simmer until the potatoes are knife tender, about 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and remove the pan from the heat. Using a blender, purée the soup in batches until smooth, removing the small cap from the blender lid (the pour lid) and covering the space with a kitchen towel (this allows steam to escape and prevents the lid from popping off). Place the blended soup in a clean saucepan. (Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to purée the soup in the original saucepan.)

Return the soup to a simmer over low heat. Add the kale and water and stir to combine. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale is tender but still brightly colored, about 10 to 12 minutes. Taste and add more paprika, salt, and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, season with pepper, and top with a poached egg if desired.

Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup with Chard

Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup with Chard

1 head garlic, unpeeled

1 T. olive oil

1 lg yellow onion, chopped

1 container (32 oz) fat free reduced sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 C leftover smashed new potatoes (about 1/3 recipe)

2 C thinly sliced carrots

1 T. chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp. dried basil

1 lg bunch Swiss chard, stemmed and chopped (about 8 c)

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Slice off top third of garlic and discard. Wrap garlic in foil and roast 40 minutes. Let cool. Squeeze roasted garlic from papery skin into small bowl and discard skin. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes or until translucent. Add broth and one third of the garlic. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Working in 2 batches, puree potatoes and onion broth mixture in blender until smooth. Return to pan. Stir in carrots, rosemary, basil, and remaining garlic and cook over medium heat 10 minutes, stirring often. Add chard, return to a simmer, and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add beans and cook 5 minutes longer.

 

 

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Chicken Soup with Adzuki Beans, Escarole, and Sweet Potato

Chicken Soup with Adzuki Beans, Escarole, and Sweet Potato

1 1/2 quarts chicken broth

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 C. dry adzuki beans

1 C. uncooked wild rice

2 onions, cut into large chunks

1 T. bottled minced garlic

1 tsp. dried sage

1 T. dried thyme

1 T. dried rosemary

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 zucchini, cubed

1 yellow squash, cubed

1/3 medium head escarole, coarsely chopped

 

Place the chicken broth in a large pot. Mix in the chicken thighs, adzuki beans, wild rice, onions, and garlic. Season with sage, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook 1 hour.  Remove chicken from the pot, shred with a fork, and set aside. Stir the sweet potato into the pot. Continue cooking about 5 minutes, until sweet potato is slightly tender. Mix in the zucchini, yellow squash, and escarole. Continue cooking 15 minutes. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Cook until heated through. Increase the amount of broth if the soup seems too thick.

 

 

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