TIPS FOR COOKING SOUP
Soups are warm, hearty and endlessly adaptable. They can be a great option for busy nights. Here are some tips for making soups, and for learning about essential steps and key ingredients to enrich a soup’s flavor and texture.
TYPES OF SOUP
–Broth style soups, such as egg drop and consommé, use a higher amount of liquid compared to the amount of ingredients added.
–Chunky soups are heartier soups in which liquids are reduced and starches (grains, legumes/vegetables) thicken.
–Pureed soups, such as a bisque or creamy tomato soup, blend the ingredients together for a smooth, silky texture.
INGREDIENT OPTIONS
First, select the cooking fat and the combination of starter vegetables.
–French soups usually utilize butter as the fat of choice.
–Italian based soups use olive oil. Vegetable starters can be the classic garlic and onion.
–Indian soups add cumin and turmeric.
–Mexican based tortilla soups stir in tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
–Asian inspired soups utilize shallots and ginger.
Second, add the Liquid
–Stock or broth, will be about a cup per serving.
–For a more brothy soup, add a little bit more liquid.
–For a heartier soup, add a little less liquid.
–8 cups of broth or stock will create about 6-8 servings.
Third, add in the main ingredients.
–Start adding in the raw ingredients so they can release flavor into the soup as it cooks.
–After that, bring the soup to a boil, then simmer until ingredients are tender, anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the ingredients used.
–Main ingredients can be meat or poultry, legumes (beans, lentils), starchy vegetables (potatoes, parsnip, butternut squash), greens (kale, spinach), and other vegetables (zucchini, carrots) or grains (quinoa, pasta, rice).
–Season with salt and pepper to taste.
–If available, Parmesan rind can be added while soup is cooking to provide extra flavor. Use in mushroom, tomato-based or vegetable soups (take out before serving).
Fourth, the finishing touch.
–Choose brightly colored fresh herbs.
–Or items that add texture (examples: crunchy nuts or crisp tortilla strips).
–Or help balance out the flavor (examples: a dollop of yogurt to add tang, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese).