The humble packets of soup mixes found on the grocery shelf frequently conjure up images of quick and simple meals. However, their potential extends far beyond a simple fix. A well-made soup mix can be a flavor powerhouse, a foundation for endless creativity, and a delectable way to try different cuisines from around the world. Let’s explore the world of soup mixes, starting with basic recipes and moving on to exciting flavor combinations.
A Guide to Understanding Soup Mixes:
Dried vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, onions, herbs, spices, and occasionally starches or thickening agents are all common ingredients in commercial soup mixes. They are easy to use and have the same flavor. Some, on the other hand, may be high in sodium and lack the fresh flavor of prepared meals.
There is a different option: making your soup blends! You can control the ingredients, alter the amount of sodium, and tailor flavors to your preferences with this. To get you started, a basic recipe is as follows:
Mix Your Vegetable Soup: Combine split peas, dried lentils, and barley for 1 cup. Dried corn, peas, chopped carrots, and chopped onion all make up 12 cups. Add 2 tablespoons each of granulated garlic powder, dried parsley, and thyme. Turmeric and black pepper, each 1 teaspoon, should be added. For up to six months, store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Exploiting the Possibilities, with Recipes and Variations:
You can make a variety of mouthwatering soups using either homemade soup mix or your preferred brand from the grocery store. Some suggestions that may be helpful are:
Soup with Vegetables: In olive oil, sauté the chopped onion and garlic. Diced canned or fresh tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your soup mix should be added. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Before serving, add a swirl of coconut milk or cream for a richer soup.
The Minestrone Party: Sauté chopped carrots, celery, and onion in olive oil. Diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and vegetable broth should be added to your soup mix. Season with a bay leaf and Italian seasoning. Cook vegetables over low heat until tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving and stir in cooked pasta (such as ditalini or small elbow macaroni).
Noodle Soup with Asian Influences: In sesame oil, sauté the chopped ginger and garlic. Soy sauce, rice vinegar, your soup mix, and vegetable broth are all that’s needed. After a brief boil, reduce the heat and simmer. Add chopped green onions and cooked noodles, such as ramen or rice noodles, and stir. Add cooked tofu or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Southwestern Spicy Soup: In olive oil, sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno (adjust the amount to your preference for heat). Diced canned or fresh tomatoes, your soup mix, black beans, corn, and chicken broth should all be added. Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder are the seasonings. Cook vegetables over low heat until tender. Before serving, top with chopped avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
These are only a few places to start. Experiment with a variety of vegetables, spices, herbs, and protein sources.
Embracing Global Flavors, Moving Beyond the Basics:
Mixes of soup can be a good way to learn about other cultures’ cuisines. To get your creative juices flowing, here are some suggestions:
A French twist on an onion: Sliced onions should be caramelized in butter to a golden brown. Beef broth, your vegetable soup mix, and a splash of red wine (optional) should be added. Cook vegetables over low heat until tender. Served under a broiler, top with slices of toasted French bread and melted Gruyere cheese for a delicious French onion soup variation.
Curry of Thai Coconut: In coconut oil, sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and curry paste (red or green). Diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, coconut milk, and your vegetable soup mix should be added. Cook vegetables over low heat until tender. Apply lime juice and fish sauce to taste. For a flavorful Thai-inspired soup, top with cooked shrimp or chicken and chopped cilantro.
Delightful Moroccan Chickpeas: In olive oil, sauté the ginger, garlic, and chopped onion. Include your Moroccan spice blend (Ras el Hanout), canned or fresh diced tomatoes, canned or cooked chickpeas, vegetable broth, and vegetable soup mix. Cook vegetables over low heat until tender. Freshly chopped parsley and lemon juice can be used to season. To get a taste of Morocco, serve it with crusty bread.
Keep in mind that these are only suggestions! When creating your signature soups, don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
Mastering the Art of Soup Mix:
To enhance your soup mix creations, here are some additional suggestions:
Enjoy It: Before adding certain soup mixes, soak them in water for 30 minutes, especially if they contain barley or lentils.