Hey there! I know, I know, it's been a while... Sadly, the blog became a casualty of my being disaffected with social media in general. But, my friend Lisa convinced me that just because I was shoving Facebook out the airlock didn't mean that I had to stop blogging, as well. So, here we are... you wanting Internet recipe soup tips, me with Internet recipe soup tips to share. It doesn't have to be weird, let's just see where it goes...
As a start, let me catch you up on a few of the better soup recipes I've made over the last six months. While I did not make many notes about these three soups or take pics (because I did not really think I was going to blog them), all of these soups were 4 stars; solid, would-make-again options! Enjoy!!
SUNDAY SOUP #129: SLOW COOKER BLACK BEAN SOUP
Bean soups can be hit or miss, but when they hit, they are a thing of beauty. This vegetarian selection (which can easily be made vegan) was solid, for sure! It required a little chopping (onions, peppers, and carrots), but it was worth it. The garnishes made every bowl even better, so you can take the recipe author's suggestions (which are great!) or include your own favorites.
Variations from Recipe as Written: I doubled the recipe. And, not a variation exactly, since the recipe mentioned it, but I used an immersion blender for a couple of quick "zaps" to thicken it up a little.
This recipe came from: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/slow-cooker-black-bean-soup-recipe/
SUNDAY SOUP #130: PORK & GREEN CHILE STEW
Another slow cooker recipe, this one was dead simple to make! Ask your butcher to trim and cube your pork for you at the store to save yourself that work. With that done, the only fresh ingredients that need your attention are an onion (which you can get pre-diced) and several potatoes (which need to be peeled and cubed). An unusual ingredient in this one is "quick-cooking tapioca," which is used as a thickener; I had to look up a primer on it (https://oureverydaylife.com/quick-cooking-tapioca-24372.html). This soup was hearty and the flavor was solid. Hominy = YUM! But, one note for improvement... The pork could have been helped by 1-2 hours soaking in my homemade marinade (which combines ½ TBSP garlic salt, 1 TBSP cumin, 7 TBSP water, 1 TBSP liquid smoke, and 1 TBSP lime juice) before cooking.
Variations from Recipe as Written: I doubled the recipe. I did not brown the pork before putting it in the Crock-Pot. Cooking on Low is the way to go!
This recipe came from: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/269916/pork-green-chile-stew/
Another "big taste for light prep" selection, this tortellini soup is packed with Italian flavor! The standout in this one for me was the variety of textures... The beans, the pasta, the sausage, and the spinach each imparted a slightly different feel that kept things interesting. Pair this one with a good garlic bread (I prefer homemade using a fresh sourdough baguette), and you'll be pleased.
Variations from Recipe as Written: I doubled the recipe. I used a smoked beef sausage (similar to a kielbasa) rather than chicken sausage links.
This recipe came from: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a49380/tuscan-tortellini-soup-recipe/
Verdict: Liked it. (4 stars)
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