Celebrating National Soup Month: Mastering the Art of Soup

There's nothing as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of soup during the blustery winter. Each January, we celebrate National Soup Month - an official designated food holiday created by the Campbell Soup Company in 1984.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, mastering the craft of soup making is a delightful journey. Let’s explore the key steps to creating flavorful and wholesome soups that will leave you craving more.

Start with a Solid Foundation:
The base of any great soup is a flavorful broth or stock. Whether you opt for a rich bone broth, a hearty vegetable stock, or a fragrant chicken broth, a well-crafted foundation sets the tone for your entire soup. To make a stock, simmer a combination of bones (eliminate if vegan/vegetarian), vegetables, herbs and water. Boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for several hours. Strain the liquid and you will have a homemade stock. Experiment with herbs, spices, and aromatics to infuse depth and complexity.

For a classic broth based soup, try Chicken Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Layer Flavors with Aromatics:
Aromatics like garlic, onions, celery, and carrots form the backbone of many soups. Sautéing these ingredients at the beginning of your cooking process releases their natural oils and enhances the overall flavor.

Try this flavorful and out of the box, Potato Nori Soup is the soup for you!

Experiment with Proteins:
The choice of protein significantly influences soup flavor, with options like chicken will add a rich and savory flavor while turkey will bring a milder taste. Beef brings a hearty and robust taste, enhancing overall depth. Seafood like salmon or shrimp will bring a distance flavor. Beans will add a creamy texture and a protein boost, ideal for a heartier soup.

For a protein packed soup, don't sleep on Turkey Black Bean Chili

Balance the Flavors:
Achieving the perfect balance of flavors is crucial. A dash of salt, a squeeze of citrus, or a pinch of herbs can transform an ordinary soup into a culinary masterpiece.

Explore Different Textures:
Texture adds a delightful dimension to soups. Experiment with various ingredients to create a balance between creamy and chunky, smooth and textured. To create a creamier soup, try adding coconut milk, heavy cream or pureed vegetables. Consider adding beans, grains, or pasta to add substance and variety.

If you're ready for multidimensional soups, try Tuscan Lentil Soup for something broth based, or Vegan Portobello Mushroom Chili for vegetable-forward chili!

Garnish with Finesse:
The finishing touches make all the difference. Fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated cheese can elevate your soup's presentation and flavor.

Spicy Black Bean Cocoa Soup is calling for toppings! A dusting of cheese, a dollop of crema, cilantro, peppers, tomatoes or salsa -- you can go anywhere with this soup. Plus, who doesn't want to have some chocolate for dinner?

Preparation Methods

Stovetop
Stovetop cooking allows for real time adjustments to your recipe - tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process. You can visually monitor the soup, ensuring it reaches desired consistency, texture and appearance.

Crockpot
Cooking soup in a crockpot provides convenience by allowing you to “set it and forget it” for a few hours while it cooks. This method of cooking is perfect for busy schedules if you are prepared to plan ahead. Soup cooked in a crockpot yields more tender ingredients, as the flavors have ample time to develop, providing a richer and more intense taste.

Try this: Slow Cooker Moroccan Lentil Soup

Instant Pot
Preparing soup using an instant pot is a remarkably rapid process - let's say soup in under 20 minutes! - making it an ideal option for last-minute meals or for individuals with limited time for meal preparation. The rapid cook time ensures that unique flavors and distinct textures are preserved, providing a satisfying and efficient cooking experience.

We hope making homemade soup this winter brings warmth and nourishment to your table. Whether simmering on a stovetop or bubbling away in a slow cooker, cooking soup is an experience that invites creativity, comfort and shared joy.

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