Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Soup Kitchen

Soup is my "go to" winter meal when I don't know what to make for dinner.  I like soups because they are one pot meals, make great leftovers, and are a great way to use up items in the fridge.

The makings of a soup are simple:

I like to start out with a traditional mirepoix, which is just a fancy word for sauteed carrots, onions, and celery or a version of it.  I always use extra virgin olive oil and garlic.



Add stock of some kind.  We currently have veggie, turkey, and quail stock in the freezer.  Any of these make great soups.  You can also just use water, but your soup will not be as flavorful.

 Add lentils or beans.  You can add rice as well, but I'm not a fan.


 The result is a delicious, warming soup. If you have a bit of extra pasta sauce, salsa, or veggies that isn't enough for a meal, add them to your soup.  They will add to the flavor and texture and use up that bit of food that would otherwise turn into a science project in the back of your fridge.

If you are feeling really ambitious, a freshly baked loaf of bread or homemade biscuits will compliment this homey meal.

What is your favorite "go to" meal?


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6 comments:

  1. Felecia CofieldJanuary 21, 2015 at 3:11 PM

    Hi Kate! Me too! Soup is so filling and delicious! I agree about the stock, although I don't have homemade. I buy organic at Aldi or Walmart. Thanks for the idea about using leftover spaghetti sauce in the soup! I usually have some of that in the fridge! I just discovered orzo pasta and used that in my last batch. It really thickened it up and tasted delicious! I just made some of my overnight bread today and it's yummy! Thanks for sharing! Blessings from Bama!

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    1. UnknownJanuary 22, 2015 at 6:41 AM

      Oh yes, orzo is a great addition! You can also use potato flakes to thicken a soup. A friend turned me on to that trick. Fresh bread...there's nothing better!

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  2. My Garden DiariesJanuary 21, 2015 at 7:32 PM

    Looks and sounds delicious friend!!! Do you always make your own stock?? Nothing better on cold days then warm soup!! A wonderful weekend to you!!! Nicole xo

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    1. UnknownJanuary 22, 2015 at 6:42 AM

      We do buy stock occasionally, but this is one of the things we are trying to be better at. Making it is easy, more cost effective, and tweaked to personal taste.

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  3. tracie c.January 23, 2015 at 8:06 AM

    lady you're my idea of a good time! we are HUGE soup eaters. we are on the vegetarian end of the scale of soup though... will you still like me?
    beans! legumes! all about it!
    i'm not a big fan of rice either. i'll have it with curry and the like but that's the extent.

    we usually have 2 pots of soup a week which serves lunch all of 5 days a week and the freezer is mostly leftover soup.

    thanks a bunch for popping by my blog. going to take a spin around your place! :D have a great weekend!

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    1. UnknownJanuary 23, 2015 at 11:09 AM

      Tracie - of course we welcome all food eaters! I love your vibrant spirit and you have a great smile!

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