soup

Vegetable Stew: Savory and Flavory

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the carrots and celery and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the potatoes, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Happiness in a giant pot

In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a hearty and savory vegetable stew. As a lover of gardening, I’ve been inspired to create this recipe as I’ve been harvesting fresh vegetables from my own garden. The flavors are amazing and the textures are chunky and satisfying.

The great thing about stews is that they are so versatile. You can use any vegetables you have on hand and adjust the seasoning to your liking. I particularly enjoy using herbs like thyme and rosemary to add depth to the flavor.

This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for the week. It’s a great way to ensure that you’re getting your daily dose of vegetables and it’s filling enough to keep you satisfied.

Although this is entirely my opinion, mashed potatoes and white rice both make great sides/additions to this dish. Personally, I like to put one or the other at the bottom of my bowl and then ladle stew on top. Turns stew into an entire meal!

~Denny

Ideas to go with your Stew!

https://www.sidechef.com/collections/1505/21-ideas-and-42-recipes-for-best-side-dishes-to-serve-with-stews/

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30 April 2023 by Recipes 0

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: Denny style

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of bread
  • 8 slices of your favorite cheese
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Bread and butter pickles, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and olive oil to the skillet.
  2. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions to the skillet. Cook the onions for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and golden brown. Remove from heat.
  3. Heat another skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of cheese on each slice of bread.
  4. Divide the caramelized onions and bread and butter pickles among four slices of bread. Top with the remaining slices of cheese and bread.
  5. Place each sandwich onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  6. Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve hot.

Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes (28-ounces each)
  • 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the canned tomatoes, broth, sugar, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and the soup has thickened.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
  6. Return the soup to the pot and heat over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, if desired. Serve hot.

Taking Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup to the next Level:

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic pairing that I love, but I’ve always felt it could be more than just a simple meal. Once I had a similar recipe at a local sandwich shop, which featured caramelized onions and bread and butter pickles in the sandwich, and it completely changed the game for me. Now, I make this gourmet version of grilled cheese and tomato soup regularly, and it’s always a hit.

To make this gourmet grilled cheese, I start by caramelizing some onions in a pan until they are golden brown and sweet. Then, I roll up some sliced bread and butter pickles in the cheese and sandwich them between two slices of buttered bread. I grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and gooey, and the bread is golden brown and crispy. The result is a decadent, savory sandwich with a tangy, crunchy twist.

For the tomato soup, I like to make it from scratch using fresh, ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a few simple herbs and spices. I start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, then I add the tomatoes and let them simmer until they’re tender and juicy. I use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy, then I season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Served alongside the grilled cheese, this soup is the perfect complement to the rich, cheesy sandwich.

~Denny

Some More Grilled Cheese Ideas:

https://www.erinliveswhole.com/easy-creamy-tomato-soup-with-grilled-cheese/

https://www.yummly.com/dish/006234/how-to-make-a-killer-grilled-cheese-sandwich-with-tomato-soup-to-match

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25 April 2023 by Recipes 0

White Chicken Chili: My soup de jour

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the white beans, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced green onions on top.

Note: plain greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream!

Why I love White Chicken Chili

I absolutely love making white chicken chili on a lazy weekend afternoon. Not only is it a hearty and delicious meal, but it also keeps very well for leftovers throughout the week. I especially love that this recipe is cooked entirely on the stovetop, making it a quick and easy meal to prepare.

One thing I’ve learned through making this recipe over the years is that plain Greek yogurt makes for a great substitution for sour cream. Not only is it a healthier option, but it also adds a nice tanginess to the dish. I often find myself using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream in many of my favorite recipes.

What I love most about this white chicken chili recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less of the cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of beans or add in some corn or diced tomatoes for some extra flavor and texture. Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

~Denny

All about Chili:

  1. “Regional Chili Styles Across America” – https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/comfort-foods/best-comfort-foods/chili-and-stews/regional-chili-styles-across-america
  2. “The Best Chili Toppings to Make Your Bowl of Chili Even Better” – https://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/chili-toppings
  3. “White Chicken Chili Recipe” – https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/230163/white-chicken-chili/

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22 April 2023 by Recipes 0

Lentil Soup: Healthy and Hearty

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  3. Add the lentils, broth, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard. Add the red wine vinegar and stir well.
  6. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is mostly smooth. (Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot.)
  7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

My thoughts on this dish:

Lentil soup is one of my favorite dishes. I enjoy experimenting with the different spices and seasonings involved, as it turns the cooking process into a bit of a mad scientist experiment. It’s also vegetarian-friendly and good for all seasons.

To start, I sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Then I add in garlic and spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, which add depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile.

Next, I add in dried lentils, vegetable broth, and a can of diced tomatoes. I let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Just before serving, I add in chopped fresh spinach, which adds a pop of color and nutrition to the dish. I also like to top my soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, which adds a creamy texture and bright herbaceousness to the dish.

When I serve the lentil soup, I like to pair it with a crusty baguette or some warm naan bread for dipping. The dish is comforting, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner.

-Denny

Further resources on Lentils and what a cool ingredient they are:

  1. “10 Health Benefits of Lentils” by Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lentils-benefits
  2. “7 Surprising Benefits of Lentils” by EatingWell: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/15509/7-surprising-benefits-of-lentils/
  3. “Why Lentils Are One of the World’s Healthiest Foods” by One Green Planet: https://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/why-lentils-are-one-of-the-worlds-healthiest-foods/
  4. “Lentils: Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects, and More” by WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/diet/lentils-health-benefits
  5. “Lentils: The little legume that could” by BBC Good Food: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/lentils-little-legume-could

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6 April 2023 by Recipes 0