Making soup is not as hard as it looks. In fact, many types are very simple to make, especially if you prepare your ingredients ahead of time. It also pays to have decent tools. A heavy stockpot is a must. You can find them at most discount stores available in a decent price range. While you do not need to spend a lot, do make sure the bottom is heavy and sturdy so it does not burn.
Creamy soups turn out best if you have an immersion blender. This is a blender that looks kind of like a stick with whirling blades at the bottom. This blender can be put into hot mixture and it will blend the ingredients into creamy goodness. Pay enough so you get a one powerful enough to puree heavy soups.
The most important ingredient for your soup is your broth. Never make it with plain water… the flavor will never be all it could be. Always use stock or broth when adding liquid to your soup. Bouillon cubes can be used but be careful it does not make it get too salty.
Saut your vegetables first so they release more of their flavor. Roasted vegetables are great additions, too. Cut up your ingredients so they are bite size and easy to eat. Use a variety of vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots, rutabagas, parsnips, and potatoes are excellent in soups. You can also use cabbage, kale and other hearty greens that will hold up well during cooking.
Add your soft ingredients like rice or noodles near the end of cooling. Rice only needs 10 to 20 minutes before it is ready, less if you are using leftover rice. Noodles only need 5 to 10 minutes. Do not rush and add them too early or you will have mushy soup.
An easy onion soup recipe is one of the simplest dishes you can whip up in your kitchen. Before you know it, your family will be enjoying this rich flavorful soup topped with their favorite bubbling cheese. Serve it up whenever cold weather hits and you need something simple and hearty.
Leftovers make great ingredients. Bag up your leftover meat or vegetables and drop them in the freezer. Be sure to date the bags so you know when you used them. Pull out a bag or two whenever you want to throw a pot of together. Making soup with leftovers was never easier. You can have a hot bowl in front of you in about the time it would take to heat canned soup… and it tastes better!
Now that you know how easy it is to make some soup of your own, you can avoid all the preservatives and salt in canned soups. Fresh tastes so much better and you will love whipping up a quick kettle for your family. Serve it up with a salad and some crusty bread and your meal will be all ready.
Everyone should learn how to make onion soup. This simple soup packs more flavor into every spoonful than most soups do that take much longer to cook. The combination of caramelized onions and beef broth create a complex system of flavors that you want to savor.