Ginger Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

2 can(s) (15-ounce) pumpkin puree

3 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce) chicken broth

1 can(s) (11 1/2-ounce) pear nectar

1/3 cup(s) creamy peanut butter

2 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoon(s) grated fresh ginger root

2 tablespoon(s) finely chopped green onion

1 tablespoon(s) fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

1/4 teaspoon(s) ground cayenne pepper

Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

Chopped chives (optional)

Directions

In a 6-quart saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and pear nectar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes.

In a blender or the bowl of a food processor fitted with chopping blade, process 1 cup pumpkin mixture with peanut butter until smooth. Return to saucepan with the remaining pumpkin mixture. Add garlic, ginger root, green onion, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper; cook 10 minutes over medium heat.

Divide soup among soup plates and garnish with pumpkin seeds and chives, if desired. Serve immediately.

Four Bean and Kielbasa Chili

Serves 6 to 8


2 tablespoons or more olive oil
1 ½ lbs. turkey or beef kielbasa, halved lengthwise then cut in to ½ – inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
4 15 oz cans beans, drained
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth or water
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes in juices
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 generous splash dry red wine (optional)
3 small bay leaves
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin


Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa; sauté until beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer kielbasa to a bowl. If necessary, add enough oil to the pot to measure 2 tablespoons, or discard all but 2 tablespoons of drippings. Add onions, both bell peppers, and garlic. Saute until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add beans, broth or water, tomatoes with juice, chili powder, sugar, vinegar, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, and red wine, if using. Bring chili to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 45 minutes. Return kielbasa to the pot. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until chili is thick, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.




Source: Four Bean and Kielbasa Chili

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients 

2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter

1 cup(s) chopped onion

2 1/2 pound(s) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 6 cups)

1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and diced

3 cup(s) low-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 cup(s) apple cider

1/4 cup(s) apple brandy

1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

1/2 teaspoon(s) chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper

Directions

Melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the squash and apple and sauté for 5 more minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

In small batches, carefully puree the soup in a blender or food processor until very smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Photo by: Fimb

Sweet And Spicy Pork Chili

Ingredients


1 teaspoon(s) vegetable oil
2 pound(s) boneless pork chops or tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 shallots, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
2 teaspoon(s) crushed red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoon(s) chili powder
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce) low-sodium beef broth
1 can(s) (14-ounce) low-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon(s) grated fresh ginger
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut on the diagonal (about 1 cup)
3 tablespoon(s) frozen orange-juice concentrate
1 tablespoon(s) low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup(s) light brown sugar
6 cup(s) hot cooked rice
Chopped scallions (optional)

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot but not smoking, add pork; cook until lightly browned -- 6 to 8 minutes. Remove pork, set aside, and reduce heat to medium.

Add shallots and sauté until translucent -- about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add red-pepper flakes, chili powder, beef broth, coconut milk, and ginger. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add carrots and simmer for 10 more minutes.
Add orange-juice concentrate, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve warm over cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped scallions, if desired.

Chipotle Vegetable Chili

Ingredients


Vegetable-oil cooking spray
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small eggplant, cubed
1 medium onion, peeled and cut into eighths
2 medium zucchini, cubed
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
1 pound(s) button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon(s) chili powder dried chipotle pepper, stemmed and diced
1 can(s) (19-ounce) white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce ) low-sodium vegetable broth
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce ) low-sodium diced tomatoes
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine bell pepper, eggplant, onion, zucchini, and salt with olive oil. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, turning occasionally, until just softened -- 25 to 30 minutes.

Make the chili: In a large Dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot but not smoking, add garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms soften -- about 5 minutes. Add bay leaf, chili powder, chipotle pepper, beans, broth, tomatoes, and roasted vegetables. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
To serve: Stir in parsley and serve hot.

Roasted Pepper Tomato Bisque

Roasted Garlic Soup

Ingredients


2 large garlic heads, whole, unpeeled
1 clove(s) garlic, minced
3 tablespoon(s) olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
2 cup(s) onion, minced
1 cup(s) carrots, minced
1 large (1 1/4 cups) potato, peeled and cubed
4 cup(s) chicken stock
1/2 cup(s) dry white wine
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper
1/4 cup(s) heavy cream

Directions

Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a serrated knife, cut the top off each garlic head so that the tip of each clove is exposed. Place the garlic heads on a large piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bay leaves and fold the foil to form a packet. Place the packet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Cool slightly. In a small bowl, squeeze the garlic head until all of the roasted flesh is released. Discard outer husks and bay leaves.

Make the soup: In a large heavy-duty saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil and butter, add onions, and cook over medium heat until translucent--about 4 minutes. Add the carrots and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the potato, chicken stock, white wine, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and continue to cook for 35 minutes.
Finish the soup: Using a blender, purée the soup in small batches until smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the heavy cream. Heat until warmed. Do not boil. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients


1 (3 1/2-pound) whole chicken
3 quart(s) low-sodium chicken broth
6 carrots, peeled
4 stalk(s) celery, ends trimmed
3 medium onions, peeled
5 black peppercorns
1 clove(s) garlic, crushed
10 sprig(s) parsley
2 sprig(s) thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
4 leeks, tops and root ends removed
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper
3 cup(s) (5 ounces) medium egg noodles

Directions

Make the stock: Place the chicken and chicken broth in a large stockpot and set it over medium heat. Roughly chop 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, and 1 onion and add to the broth. Add the peppercorns, garlic, 2 sprigs of parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring the broth to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the chicken is very tender -- about 1 1/4 hours -- skimming the surface periodically. Remove the chicken and place in a large bowl. Strain the broth through a very fine sieve into a large, clean bowl or stockpot. Discard the vegetables.

Make the soup: Skim any fat off the top of the strained broth and discard. Slice the remaining carrots, celery, onions, and leeks into 1/4-inch-thick pieces and set aside. Remove and discard the skin and bones from the chicken, cut meat into 1/2-inch pieces, and set aside. Chop the remaining parsley leaves and set aside. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook until the onions are translucent -- about 7 minutes. Add the chicken, the reserved broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender -- about 1 hour. Stir in the egg noodles and parsley and cook until the noodles are tender -- about 10 more minutes. Serve hot.

Split Pea Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 lb (2 1/4 cups) green split peas
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large leek, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 large clove of garlic, halved
1 herb bouquet*
2 well-rinsed ham hocks
Salt and Pepper

Optional garnish - small toasted croutons (avoid for gluten-free version)**, chopped parsley or chives
*Herb Bouquet: Tie 3 cloves garlic, 4 allspice berries, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon thyme, 8 sprigs parsley in rinsed cheesecloth or place in bouquet garni muslin bag.
**To make toasted croutons, take 2 or 3 slices of day-old French or Italian loaf bread, cut into cubes. Let dry out a bit (can put in 200 degree oven for 10 minutes to help dry). Melt a tablespoon or two of butter on medium high heat in a large skillet. When hot, add the bread cubes, spread out in a single layer. Let toast on one side and then turn to other sides. Add more butter if necessary. Alternatively you can toss the cubed bread with olive oil and let toast in a 350°F oven until lightly browned.

METHOD

1 Pick over the peas and remove any stones. Wash and drain peas. Place in a 4 quart pan with the vegetables, herb bouquet, ham hocks and 2 1/2 quarts of water. Bring to a simmer. Skim the scum off the top of the soup for several minutes, until the scum ceases to rise. Cover loosely and simmer about 1 1/2 hours, or until peas are tender, stirring occasionally in case they stick to the bottom of the pan.

2 Remove the ham hocks and herb bouquet from the soup. Purée the soup with a blender. An immersion blender works great for this; if you are using a regular blender, take care to workin batches and only fill the blender halfway if the soup is still hot, and hold down the lid while blending. If you want an exceptionally smooth soup, pass the purée through a sieve.

3 Return the purée to the pot and heat to serve. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with croutons and parsley or chives.
If you want, don't discard the ham hocks, but cut away the outer skin and remove the meat from the bones. Dice the meat and serve with the soup.

Makes 2 quarts. Serves 6.

Cheese Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 ounces small diced onion (approximately 1 cup)
5 ounces small diced carrot (approximately 1 cup)
5 ounces small diced celery (approximately 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt for sweating vegetables, plus more if needed at end of cooking
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 quart chicken broth, heated to a simmer
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1 cup heavy cream
10 ounces Fontina, shredded
1 teaspoon Marsala wine
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Directions

Melt butter in large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and salt. Sweat for 5 to 10 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Sift the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes.

Gradually add the chicken stock and bring to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and add the garlic and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

Remove bay leaf. Turn off the heat, add the heavy cream, and then puree with an immersion blender or in a conventional blender*. Gradually add the cheese, 1 small handful at a time, and stir until melted before adding next handful. Stir in the Marsala, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and white pepper. Taste and add additional salt if desired. If soup is not hot enough, return to a low heat until warmed through.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

For the soup:

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for cooking the chicken
1/3 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, diced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 cups chicken broth
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken, thigh or breast

For garnishes:

1/4 cup corn oil
6 corn small corn tortillas, cut into strips
1 teaspoon salt
2 large dried chiles, such as ancho or guajilo
Small handful cilantro leaves, chopped
1 avocado, cut into chunks
1/4 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped stemmed spinach

Procedure

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, then add the onion. Cook until translucent, about two minutes, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, and oregano and cook for another minute, then add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes melt into the broth.

2. In the meantime, prepare the tortilla strips. Heat the corn oil in a shallow skillet until a small piece of tortilla bubbles vigorously when added, then fry the strips in batches until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and toss while still hot with salt.

3. Season the chicken breast with a little salt and pepper and add the remaining olive oil to a skillet. Heat over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken does not necessarily need to be cooked all the way through. Add it to the soup with 3-4 minutes remaining in the cooking time.

4. In a dry skillet, toast the chiles over medium-high heat until they soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Push them into the surface of the skillet as needed with a wooden spoon. Remove to a cutting board, then stem and de-seed them and chop into small pieces.

5. Ladle the broth into shallow bowls and garnish as desired.

Tuscan White Bean And Garlic

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
1 sage leaf
2 (15-ounce) cans cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, cut in 1/2
1/2 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 slices ciabatta bread
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

Place a medium, heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add the butter, olive oil, and shallot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sage and beans and stir to combine. Add the stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the garlic and simmer until the garlic is softened, about 10 minutes. Pour the soup into a large bowl. Carefully ladle 1/3 to 1/2 of the soup into a blender and puree until smooth. Be careful to hold the top of the blender tightly, as hot liquids expand when they are blended. Pour the blended soup back into the soup pan. Puree the remaining soup. Once all the soup is blended and back in the soup pan, add the cream and the pepper Keep warm, covered, over very low heat.

Place a grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the slices of ciabatta bread with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill the bread until warm and golden grill marks appear, about 3 minutes a side. Serve the soup in bowls with the grilled bread alongside.

Clam and Corn Chowder

2 medium or one large onion, chopped

2 tbsp butter or margarine

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

2 cups diced potatoes

1 bay leaf

1/4 tsp celery salt

2 can (aprox 7 oz) minced clams (I use baby clams)

1 can (16oz) creamed corn

2 cups milk

salt and pepper to taste

In a pot large enough to hold 3 quarts, cook onions in butter until soft (but not brown). Add broth, potatoes, seasonings, and clams. Cook covered 15 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked. Add corn, milk and heat. It can be made richer by using a mixture of cream and milk. Serves aprox 8.

Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

3/4 pound ground chicken

1/2 pound chicken sausage, casings removed

2/3 cup fresh white bread crumbs

2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving

3 tablespoons milk

1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the soup:

2 tablespoons good olive oil

1 cup minced yellow onion

1 cup diced carrots (3 carrots), cut into 1/4 inch pieces

3/4 cup diced celery (2 stalks), cut into 1/4 inch pieces

10 cups homemade chicken stock

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 cup small pasta such as tubetini or stars

1/4 cup minced fresh dill

12 ounces baby spinach, washed and trimmed

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the meatballs, place the ground chicken, sausage, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, Pecorino, Parmesan, milk, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl and combine gently with a fork. With a teaspoon, drop 1 to 1 1/4-inch meatballs onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. (You should have about 40 meatballs. They don't have to be perfectly round.) Bake for 30 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.

In the meantime, for the soup, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and saute until softened, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken stock and wine and bring to a boil. Add the pasta to the simmering broth and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Add the fresh dill and then the meatballs to the soup and simmer for 1 minute. Taste for salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute, until the spinach is just wilted. Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle each serving with extra grated Parmesan.

Black Bean Soup

3 tblsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cp)

2 small garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 large stalk celery, chopped (3/4 cp)

1 large carrot, chopped (3/4 cp)

4 cps chicken broth

3 15 1/2 oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained

juice from 1 lime

1 tblsp tomato paste

salt

In large pot, heat the oil, onion, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cumin and cook 1 minute. Add celery, carrot, stock and beans. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and tomato paste. To thicken soup, puree the beans in a blender.