Winter Soups & How To Make Them!

Soups, we all think of them to be a meagre meal that only has water, vegetables and salt, but they are so much more than that. Soups are comforting, hearty, thick, thin, have a variety of flavours, and have so many different ways of making the same soup. Soups are a type of liquid-based food that typically include a combination of vegetables, meat, or fish, and often a liquid such as water, broth, or milk. They are typically served hot and can be made in a variety of styles, from clear broths to thick stews. Soups can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course and can be made from a variety of ingredients depending on the recipe. Some popular types of soups include minestrone, tomato soup, lentil soup, chicken noodle soup, and split pea soup. They can be made fresh or canned, homemade or store-bought, simple or complex. They can be enjoyed alone or accompanied with bread or crackers.

Why Do People Prefer Soups In Winters?

Soups are preferred in winters for a few reasons:

1. Warmth: Soups are typically served hot, which provides a comforting warmth during cold winter months.
2. Nutritious: Soups are usually packed with vegetables and other healthy ingredients, which provide a nourishing meal that can help boost immunity during the winter months.
3. Comforting: Soups are often considered comfort food, which can help to soothe and warm the soul during the colder months.
4. Easy to digest: Soups are easy to digest, and they are a perfect option for those who may have a weaker stomach during the winter months.
5. Variety: There are many different types of soups available, from hearty stews to creamy bisques, which can provide a wide range of flavours and textures to enjoy throughout the winter.

Benefits Of Soups

1. Nutritious: Soups are often packed with vegetables, which provide a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can also be a good source of protein and other nutrients, depending on the ingredients used.
2. Hydrating: Many soups are made with a liquid base, which can help to keep the body hydrated. This is especially beneficial during the winter months when the air is dry and it can be easy to become dehydrated.
3. Low in calories: Many soups are low in calories, which can make them a great option for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
4. Easy to digest: Soups are easy to digest, which makes them a great option for people with digestive issues or those recovering from an illness.
5. Versatile: There are many different types of soups available, which makes them a versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be served as a starter or a main course, and can be made with a wide variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
6. Filling: Soups are filling and can help to reduce hunger and cravings which makes it a healthy option for weight loss or weight management.
7. Cost-effective: Soups are relatively cheap and easy to make at home, which can save money compared to buying pre-made soups or eating out.

Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 700 grams of tomatoes
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, until the paste is fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
9. If you prefer a creamy soup, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and heat it through.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Optional: you can add some diced cooked chicken or vegetables if you want to make it more filling.

Mixed Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of diced carrots
• 2 cups of diced potatoes
• 1 cup of diced celery
• 1 cup of diced green beans
• 1 cup of diced zucchini
• 6 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced carrots, potatoes, celery, green beans, and zucchini and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes.
9. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth or you can leave it whole as well.
10. If you prefer a creamy soup, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and heat it through.
11. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cream Of Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 400 grams mushrooms washed and finely chopped
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 1 head of garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoon all purpose flour or wheat flour
• 2.5 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon basil
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoon olive oil or oil of your choice
• 500 ml boiled milk
• Heavy cream optional

Instructions:

1. In a heavy bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Once hot add the onions and saute till translucent
3. Add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes
4. Cook the onions and garlic until slightly golden brown.
5. Add the flour and cook till it starts sticking to the pan.
6. Add the chopped mushrooms and saute till the mushrooms have left their water and the water has dried.
7. Add the boiled milk little by little, stirring constantly.
8. Add salt, pepper, basil and thyme.
9. Cook till the soup thickens and if you wish to have it be thinner add a bit of water and boil.
10. Serve hot

Winters are here for a little while longer, so enjoy it while it lasts by having as many soups as you can. Order all that you need for the soups from Milkbasket and you will get it at your doorstep by 7 AM. Enjoy