The weather outside just keeps getting colder and closer to winter, which means that soup is always on the list of things to make in the Never Enough Thyme kitchen. We have our classic favourites in store to take home, but I’ve also been looking at some new soups and smoked meats have come into play: smoked turkey, sausage, or ham, which provides another layer of depth and flavour to any soup (or pot pie).
Soup starts off very basic, with similar elements every time, but making a good soup does take time, skill, and a dash of love. You always start with the basics: onions, flavour agents like herbs, garlic, and a tasty stock. Then you thicken the soup, which can be done in several ways, including flour; but my favourite soups are thickened with vegetables, potato, sweet potato, or tomato. The flavour is clean and fresh and it lets the ingredients shine through. This method of thickening also makes the soup vegan-friendly and wheat-free.
Whether you enjoy a hearty soup or one that’s light and tasty, these recipes will warm you up as winter approaches. Be sure to pair the soup with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy!
Smoked Pork Hock Soup
In a pan, sauté:
1 onion
1 leek, sliced into rings
1 diced carrot
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 bay leaves
8 sprigs of thyme
Sweat vegetables until they become translucent.
Add:
9 cups pork hock stock
Shredded pork hock
1 can tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can mixed beans
Salt and pepper
Chopped parsley
Add tomato paste and stir until bright orange. Turn the heat down, then add broth, tomato paste, and diced tomato. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add canned beans and shredded pork hock. Season with salt and pepper.
Smokey Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 roasted red peppers
1 onion, julienned
3 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp. smoked sweet paprika
2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves
1/2 can of tomato paste
2 cans of plum tomatoes
1 can of tomato juice
1/4 cup water
Season with salt and pepper
Instructions:
In a preheated pot, add olive oil, onion, garlic, spices, and bay leaves. Sautee until onions are translucent. Add tomato paste, stir to combine. Add tomatoes, tomato juice, and roasted red pepper. Simmer for approximately 25 minutes. Remove bay leaves and puree. Season with salt and pepper.
Image: voraorn | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
