Comfort In A Soup Bowl Recipe

Hey there! Ever have one of those days where you just need a big, comforting hug in a bowl? Well, this soul-soothing soup is your answer, packed with hearty veggies and a burst of fresh flavor that’ll warm you from the inside out. Let’s dive into this cozy wonderland! 🌟🍲

No recipe quite embodies the warmth of my “Comfort in a Soup Bowl” as this one does. You can’t go wrong with the basic formula: some kind of liquid (here, it’s a mix of broth and water), an aromatic blend (olive oil, garlic, and onions), and a medley of vegetables.

Carrots, potatoes, corn, and peas shine in this nutrient-dense soup. It is, in a word, perfect.

Comfort In A Soup Bowl Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats, enhances flavor.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, adds depth.
• Carrots: Sweetness and vitamin A provider.
• Celery: Offers crunch and aromatic flavor.
• Thyme: Herbal, earthy notes enhance soup.
• Potatoes: Provides heartiness, rich in carbs.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and a fiber boost.
• Peas: Pop of sweetness, protein-rich.
• Chicken: Optional protein source, adds richness.
• Parsley: Fresh, brightens and garnishes.

Comfort In A Soup Bowl Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (optional for a vegetarian version)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make this Comfort In A Soup Bowl Recipe

1. In a big pot, pour the olive oil and warm it up to a medium heat. Toss in the onion, which you should have diced, and keep it moving until you have a nearly clear onion, which will take about 5 minutes.

2. Add the finely chopped garlic and fry it for another minute until you can smell it.

3. Sliced carrots and celery are added to the pot and cooked for 4-5 minutes, with stirring being done occasionally.

4. Disperse the dried thyme and put in the bay leaf. Stir up the flavors and combine them well.

5. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

6. Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

7. Incorporate the corn, peas, and cooked shredded chicken (if using) into the broth. For the next 5 minutes, allow the soup to simmer, giving the vegetables time to fully heat up and become tender.

8. Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed.

9. Take out the bay leaf and mix in the freshly chopped parsley and lemon juice just before you serve.

10. Spoon the soup into dishes and savor this warm and soothing nurturing dish.

Comfort In A Soup Bowl Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Ladle
7. Bowl for serving

FAQ

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?Yes, just leave out the cooked chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• How can I add more flavor to the soup?Think about including herbs such as rosemary or a touch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Can I freeze the soup?Allow the soup to cool completely. Then, put the soup into an airtight container and freeze it for no more than 3 months.
• What kind of potatoes work best for this soup?For soups, you can’t go wrong with Yukon gold or russet potatoes. They hold their shape really well.
• How do I make the soup thicker?You can mash part of the potatoes or add a cornstarch and water slurry.
• Is it necessary to add lemon juice?The flavors gain brightness and balance from the lemon juice, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?While 1 teaspoon of dried parsley can serve as a substitute, nothing compares to the brighter flavor that fresh parsley brings to this dish.

Comfort In A Soup Bowl Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: Use coconut oil or avocado oil, and you will get the same cooking result, but with a different flavor profile from what you are used to with olive oil.
Carrots: Swap out parsnips or sweet potatoes to get an even sweeter taste.
Celery: Try fennel or bok choy for an innovative take.
Use mushroom broth or bone broth for added depth. Chicken or vegetable broth.
Diced turnips or cauliflower make a low-carb alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Sauté for Maximum Flavor When cooking the onions, ensure they are well sautéed to release their natural sweetness. You can even let them caramelize a bit for a deeper flavor before adding the garlic.

2. Deglaze the Pot After sautéing the vegetables and before adding the broth, try adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup.

3. Herb Infusion Tie the bay leaf and dried thyme in a piece of cheesecloth to create a herb sachet. This makes it easier to remove before serving and ensures no small bay leaf bits remain in the soup.

4. Pre-cook the Potatoes If you’re short on time, consider parboiling the potatoes separately before adding them to the soup. This reduces the overall cooking time and ensures they are perfectly tender.

5. Enhance the Broth Add a Parmesan rind to the broth while it simmers. This secret ingredient adds a rich umami flavor that takes the soup to the next level. Just remember to remove it before serving along with the bay leaf.