Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned but soup is always a good idea. I’ve been building soups from very basic ingredients for years and it’s always satisfying in stressful times. And I know some of you may not love all the extra time in the kitchen but YOU GOT THIS!!   Like the beloved Remy from Ratatouille, “Anyone can cook!”  Follow the step by step guide and warm up the kitchen.  For now, I send you wishes of comfort!

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Checkout our Ultimate Pantry Soup Checklist.

Soup is an essential meal for busy families and can be easily prepared with just a few pantry staples.

START WITH AN OIL

Chose one of the following oil sources and heat 2 Tablespoons in a 8 quart stock pot over medium-high heat.

• Olive oil
• Coconut Oil
• Vegetable Oil
• Ghee
• Butter

ADD 1 or 2 of the AROMATICS

Saute for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and starting to slightly brown.

• 1 Onion (chopped or diced)
• 1 Leeks (chopped)
• 2 Shallots (chopped)
• 4 Green Onions (chopped)
• 1 Fennel Bulb (sliced)
• 1 Tablespoon Ginger (freshly grated)
• 2 Garlic cloves (minced or pressed)

ADD 2 HARD VEGETABLES

• 4 Carrots
• 4 Celery Ribs
• 2 Parsnips
• 2 Turnips
• 2 Potatoes
• 1 Sweet Potatoes
• 1 Acorn or Butternut Squash

SEASONINGS

Add salt and pepper to taste and choose 1 Tablespoon of an additional seasoning.

• Kosher or Sea Salt
• Black Pepper
• Ground Cumin
• Herbes de Provence
• Italian Seasoning
• Dried Oregano
• Dried Thyme
• Paprika

POUR IN LIQUID

• Broth or Water (8 cups or about 2 cups per person)
• Optional: White Wine (1/4 cup for every 4 cups broth/water)

ADD 2 – 3 SOFT VEGETABLES

• 4 ounces Mushrooms
• 2 medium Zucchini
• 1 head Broccoli (florets)
• 1 head Cauliflower (florets)
• 1 bunch Swiss Chard, Kale or Spinach (chopped)
• 1 cup Corn (frozen or fresh kernels)
• 1 cup frozen Peas
• 15 ounces Canned Tomatoes
• 1 Bell Peppers (sliced or chopped)

ADD A PROTEIN

• 12 ounces Chicken
• 12 ounces Steak
• 4 chicken or turkey or pork Sausage
• 1 package Tofu (cubed)
• 1 – 2 cans Beans (any variety)

 SIMMER for 10 minutes & SERVE

ADD GRAINS (OPTIONAL)

• 1 cup cooked Rice
• 8 ounces cooked Pasta
• Lentils

Soup is a comfort food mood booster!

SOUP COMBINATIONS

• onion, carrot, celery, parsley, thyme, white beans, zucchini, salt, pepper, broth, wine
• garlic, celery, Herbes de Provence, cauliflower, canned tomatoes
• onion, garlic, salt, pepper, broth pinto beans, cooked rice

SOUP STARTERS

• garlic, green onions, ginger
• onion, celery, green pepper, paprika,
• onion, garlic, chilis, ginger, cumin, curry, cardamom, coconut
• onion, garlic, celery, fennel, sage, bay leaf
• shallots, garlic, chilis

Have a favorite soup recipe that’s easy to make? Tag us #thefresh20 on Instagram