Archives for category: Soup

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

February 17, 2021 //
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My love affair with New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Mardi Gras began over 25 years ago. Living in the South, while going to LSU, cemented my appreciation of Cajun, Creole and Southern cooking. I learned to make a proper Roux for etouffee and gumbo; throw a “crawfish boil” feast; Cajun-inject a fried turkey for a “Death Valley” football tailgate; and recreate every Tigerland Jell-O shot I remember.

Southern culture is second to none with rich music, hospitality and food. I will forever be a “Tiger” at heart — bleeding purple and gold — and a Southern/Comfort food aficionado. Even though, Fat Tuesday came and went for another year, this Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo can be made any season. You can also add or substitute the chicken with shrimp, crawfish or crab. The key is to ‘perfect’ the Roux, which means patience is your guide!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

3 ribs of celery, diced

1 cup canola oil

1 cup All-Purpose flour

1 1/2 lbs Andouille sausage, diced

8 to 10 boneless chicken thighs (dark meat adds much more flavor and do not recommend chicken breasts)

4 TBSP Creole seasoning such as Tony’s Creole Seasoning, Zatarain’s, or my favorite Slap Ya Mama (my kids bought it for me)

2 cups fresh okra sliced (optional — I do not like it, which means I leave it out)

3 TBSP garlic, minced

6 cups chicken stock (save the chicken stock from the thighs when you cook them in the oven)

3-4 bay leaves

2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce

Hot Sauce to taste such as Crystal or McIlhenny Tabasco

Cooked white rice, enough for 10 servings

Diced green onions for garnish

Directions:

  1. Dice the onions, celery and bell pepper — a.k.a. the “holy trinity” or “mirepoix.” Mix together and set aside.
  2. Brown the diced Andouille sausage in a large fry pan or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Remove once browned, but reserve the sausage grease to add to the roux.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to a baking dish or pan. Sprinkle each piece with salt, ground pepper and Creole seasoning. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes. Once finished, pour the chicken broth into a glass bowl. Set aside both the broth and chicken until each is cool. Once the chicken is cool, you can shred or cut it into pieces.
  4. Begin making the roux, which will take about 25 to 30 minutes. The goal is a mixture that is the color of chocolate. Add the canola oil to a Dutch oven on medium heat. When the oil is hot (sizzles when you add a drop of water) slowly begin adding the flour 1/8 cup at a time. Each time you add 1/8 cup, whisk the oil and flour thoroughly to dissolve. You will only whisk continuously with each new addition of flour. Then, you’ll need to rest a minute or two before adding in the next portion. Continue this until you add all the equal portions of flour.Yes, you will need patience!
  5. Once the roux is dark enough, turn down the heat to medium low. Add in the sausage grease, remaining seasonings and the onions, celery and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Add the okra, cook for another 3 minutes. (Skip this step if you leave it out like I do.)
  7. Add the sausage. Stir the mixture until thoroughly combine.
  8. Add the chicken stock from both the chicken thighs and any additional you’ll need to make 6 cups. Add the garlic.
  9. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower it to a simmer and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  10. About 10-15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the cut up chicken to the pot. Then, add the Worcestershire and hot sauce, if using.
  11. To serve, place the cooked white rice on the bottom of each bowl. Add a large soup spoonful (or two) of the gumbo mixture over the rice. Garnish with green onions.
Creole Seasoning and Hot Sauces

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

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Categories #Entertaining, #Main Dish, #One Pot Dinner, Cajun, Comfort Food, Gumbo, Recipe for a Crowd, Soup, Southern Dinner

Tuscan Kale and Vegetable Soup with (or without) Italian Sausage (Vegetarian / Vegan /Gluten-Free/Keto)

January 26, 2021 //
2

This Tuscan Kale and Vegetable Soup is a colorful masterpiece of flavor and healthy, farm-fresh ingredients. The vegetable choices and selections for this soup are endless. I used Tuscan kale, summer squash, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and Italian sausage with a dash of flavorful fresh herbs.

This can be a delicious low carb (Keto) meal. Or, if you leave out the Italian sausage it can easily be Vegetarian or if you use a meatless sausage option a scrumptious Vegan dish.

I was even successful in having our kids try and like it!

Tuscan Kale and Vegetable Soup with (or without) Italian Sausage

Ingredients:

3 TBSP olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

12 ounce package Italian Style Sausage Links such as aidells, chopped or sliced into bite-size pieces (this can be omitted for a Vegetarian recipe or you can use a meatless sausage such as Beyond Meat/Beyond Sausage for Vegan)

1 yellow summer squash, chopped

1/2 cup carrots, chopped

1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped

12 green beans, cut in thirds

14.5 ounces Diced Italian Recipe Tomatoes such as S&W (for this recipe I only used half the can or 7 ounces to lower the sugar content)

6 cups vegetable broth (some extra to add if needed)

Fresh thyme and rosemary, chopped making about 2 TBSP

Salt and ground pepper to taste

2 cups Tuscan kale, chopped

Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on the soup

Handful of parsley, chopped to add as garnish

Directions:

  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and then add the onion. Cook about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook another minute.
  2. Add the chopped Italian sausage and cook until slightly browned about 4 to 5 minutes (eliminate this step for a Vegetarian or use the meatless substitute for a Vegan twist).
  3. Next, add the chopped vegetables — squash, carrots, mushrooms and green beans — into the pot, stirring and cooking another 6-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Add the tomatoes and cook an additional 2 minutes. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Add in the fresh seasonings, stirring to combine.
  6. Add the Tuscan kale stirring to combine. Then, cover the pot with the lid for about 10 to 12 minutes. This will allow the kale to wilt on low temperature.
  7. Season with salt and ground pepper to taste. You can add more broth (heated in the microwave) if needed since some of the liquid will evaporate during the cooking process. Some people like less broth; I like more.
  8. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan cheese and a garnish of parsley.

Note: You can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the soup mixture when you add the kale. This will make the base slightly creamy and extra delicious. My step-daughter boiled rigatoni noodles and added it for a creative addition.

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

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Categories #Dinner, #Dinner For Two, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #Gluten Free, #Main Dish, #One Pot Dinner, #Vegan, Italian, Keto, Soup, Tuscan Kale Vegetable Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free and Keto)

January 9, 2021 //
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of our kids favorite things from Panera Bread. It is an easy, quick soup that can be made to suit any Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free or Keto lifestyle. I made a large pot of Broccoli Cheddar Soup today. We will eat some now and freeze some for another cold, winter day. My recipe below includes the Vegetarian ingredients first and Vegan ingredients second.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free and Keto)

1 TBSP regular, salted butter or Miyoko’s Creamery Cultured Vegan Butter

1/2 onion, chopped fine

2 celery stalks, chopped fine

1 carrot, chopped fine (I like the carrots smaller than matchsticks)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup regular, salted butter, melted or Miyoko’s Creamery Cultured Vegan Butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour or 3 TBSP Bob’s Red Mill Organic Coconut Flour (gluten free)*

2 cups regular whole milk or milk substitute such as Almond Milk, Rice Milk, Coconut Milk (your preference)

2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock (for Vegetarian)

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets

2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese such as Kraft or Violife Cheddar Shreds

Salt and ground pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Add 1 TBSP butter in a heavy pot or Dutch oven on medium heat until it melts. Add the chopped onion, celery and carrots and cook about 6 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
  2. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a microwave dish. Let cool. Add flour and stir until incorporated. Then, add this to the vegetables that are sautéing and stir until completely mixed. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes to cook off the flour flavor.
  3. Gradually begin pouring the milk into the flour mixture while whisking continuously. Then, stir in the broth and continue whisking. Bring to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Add the cheese into the vegetable mixture until it melts completely. (Other recipes add the cheese after the broccoli but I reverse the order to keep the broccoli from overcooking.)
  5. Add the broccoli to the mixture and combine completely. Continue simmering the soup for 10 minutes with the lid on. If the soup is too thick, you can add some milk to your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.

*When you cook with Coconut Flour you only need 20% of the flour called for in the recipe. Coconut Flour is very absorbent. It will make any recipe heavy and dense, which means you need to use less then the recipe calls for and/or an equal amount of liquid.

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

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Categories #Bob's Red Mill Coconut Flour, #Dinner, #Dinner For Two, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #Main Dish, #Miyoko's Creamery, #One Pot Dinner, #Vegan, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Cheese, Gluten Free, Keto, Soup, Vegetarian, Violife Cheddar Shreds

Old Fashion Split Pea Soup

November 27, 2020 //
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When I was a child, my thoughts about Split Pea Soup were not good. It was something my grandparents ate from a can. It didn’t look appealing at all because really what kid wants anything green? Then, when I was a young adult, I tried a fabulous lady’s Split Pea Soup because she was my mother-in-law and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Also, I knew she was an excellent cook. That’s when the skies opened up and I realized Split Pea Soup was a comfort-food delight if made from scratch.

It became a regular dinner after the holidays in our house that my kids ate not realizing it was something to turn their nose to. My oldest asks me to make Split Pea Soup when she comes to visit.

You can use the left-over ham bone from your holiday dinner to get every last bite. Not to mention, Split Pea Soup is packed with protein and fiber. If you leave out the ham and use vegetable broth, it is a perfect Vegan dish that is hearty and packed with flavor.

Old Fashion Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

1 TBSP Olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

2 carrots, chopped (enough for 1 cup)

1 clove garlic, minced

4 cups chicken, turkey broth or vegetable broth (for Vegan recipe)

4 cups water

1 16 ounce bag of dried split peas, rinsed

2 bay leaves

fresh thyme (about 1 tsp) or dried (1/2 tsp)

salt and pepper to taste

ham bone (preferably with meat still on it. I finely chop an extra piece or two of ham that I save) or one pre-packed ham steak, diced. You can omit the ham altogether for a Vegan recipe.

Chopped parsley for garnish (always optional)

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot on medium heat (again I use my Dutch oven for everything). Add the onion, celery and carrots and sauté for 6 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another 1 minute.
  2. Pour in the broth and water. Add the split peas, bay leaves and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste (lightly if you’re adding the ham, which is naturally salty)
  3. Add the ham bone and extra cut ham to the soup pot (omit this step for a Vegan recipe). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Remove the ham bone from the soup mixture and let cool. Then, shave off any extra meat and add it back to the pot. Discard the ham bone.
  5. Season with salt and pepper (I’d taste it before this step because it may not need it) and top with parsley for garnish.

Eat with crusty bread or Saltines like my grandparents!

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

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Categories #Dinner, #Dinner For Two, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #One Pot Dinner, #Vegan, Fall Dinner, Ham, Left-over Ham, Soup, Split Pea Soup, Sunday Dinner, Vegetables

Day (or two) After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

November 26, 2020 //
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The American Thanksgiving tradition is a great day to spend with family and friends giving thanks for everything that makes life great. Many also enjoy Thanksgiving for the coveted left-overs!

Left-over turkey on your favorite bread with mayo, salt and pepper or cranberry sauce the next day (or later that night) is a great treat and childhood memory. Getting one more scoop of mashed potatoes with gravy or a piece of Pumpkin Pie the next day makes Thanksgiving memories and flavors last.

Throwing away the turkey carcass once the festivities are done and the food almost gone can be disappointing. One solution is a wonderful pot of Day (or two) After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup. You can even freeze it for a winter meal another day.

Day (or two) After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Ingredients for Turkey Stock:

1 turkey carcass

cold water

1 large onion quartered

2 carrots diced

1 celery stalk diced

small bunch of parsley, 2 tsp thyme, 3 bay leaves

salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Soup:

turkey stock

1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped

1 1/2 cups celery, chopped

1 onion chopped

2 TBSP butter

1 TBSP olive oil

3 TBSP parsley chopped

3 garlic cloves minced

2 tsp sage, thyme or poultry seasoning

4 cups leftover shredded or cut turkey meat

salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces thick egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)

Directions:

  1. Put turkey carcass, vegetables, seasonings, salt and pepper in a large stock pot and completely cover with cold water (but only enough to cover the ingredients)
  2. Bring the ingredients for the stock to a boil on high heat then lower to a simmer for 3 1/2 hours partially uncovered. Periodically, skim off any foam from the surface.
  3. Strain the stock through a mesh sieve or strainer into a large bowl and set aside until needed. Discard the remaining vegetables. This makes about 3-4 quarts.
  4. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, sauté carrots, onions and celery in butter and olive oil on medium high until onions are translucent and soft about 7 to 10 minutes.
  5. Add garlic, parsley, seasonings and turkey stock to the pot. Bring to a simmer for about 7-10 minutes.
  6. Add the left-over shredded turkey meat and pasta noodles. Cook according to the pasta noodle instructions; usually no more than 12 to 15 minutes.
  7. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

Note: You can use 3-4 quarts of store bought chicken or vegetable stock if you want to forego the stock process. You’ll begin at #4 making this super easy!

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

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Categories #Dinner, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #Main Dish, #One Pot Dinner, Leftover Turkey, Soup, Sunday Dinner, Thanksgiving, Turkey, Turkey Soup

Minestrone Soup with Garlic Bread

November 18, 2020 //
0

Let’s talk SOUP! What is better on a cold fall or winter day?

Soup is comfort food at it’s best. It warms you up, feeds the soul and even helps when you’re not feeling well. Granted it for me it was a can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle that my mom heated up on the stove and served with Saltine’s but it was still a warm memory and it always helped.

Now, my young-adult children have their favorite soup recipes that I’m requested to make when they’re home. My oldest craves the old fashion favorites — Chicken Noodle, Butternut Squash or Split Pea. While my middle and youngest request Italian Sausage with Tortellini or New England Clam Chowder. My favorite was my mother-in-laws Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup) or her Lentil with Pasta. My spouse requests my Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese and then there is my sister’s husband who makes an incredible Lobster Bisque.

We can all agree that soup is a warm blanket and if its homemade it’s even better!

My Take on Minestrone (makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 TBSP olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 14-oz cans chicken broth (Swanson’s, Organics or your choice)

1 cup water

2 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ chunks

1 tsp dried thyme leaves

1/2 tsp Kosher salt

1 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes

1/4 lb. green beans, cut into 1″ pieces about 1 cup (I prefer fresh but you can use Del Monte’s Canned Green Beans)

15 ounce can of white cannellini beans (drained)

1/2 small head of cabbage (shredded)

1 cup small dried pasta (I use elbow or macaroni)

Directions:

In a large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat olive oil and sauté the onions, carrots and celery about 5 minutes until tender but not brown. Add the broth, water, potatoes, thyme and salt . Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer partially covered, 15 minutes. Then, add the tomatoes, green beans, white cannellini beans, cabbage and pasta and cook 8-12 minutes longer. This will depend on the pasta cooking time according to the directions and when the vegetables are tender (you can test the potato with a fork and should be able to pierce it easily).

Serve in bowls and top with Parmesan. For a complete meal, add a small side salad and my garlicky bread recipe below.

Garlic Bread On the Side Please!

1/2 (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

1 large handful of fresh flat leaf Italian parsley, chopped

1 baguette (your choice — I love the Acme Long Italian Loaf)

Kosher salt

Finely grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Heat butter and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and parsley, stirring occasionally until the butter is completed melted.

Slice bread in half lengthwise, than place on a baking sheet and brush cut sides with mixture. Season with salt and pepper and top with the Parmesan.

Slice crosswise 1″ thick without cutting all the way through. You’ll want to do this before you cook it since it’s usually too hot once it’s baked.

Bake until golden, 10-15 minutes depending on your oven (check on it regularly…I’ve burned a lot of bread in my day at this temperature!)

Enjoy! XOXO Jill

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Categories #Dinner, #Easy Dinner, #Family Dinner, #Main Dish, #Minestrone, #One Pot Dinner, #Recipe, Food, Italian, Soup, Vegetables