Things recently got a little tough around here. Work was a little crazy, and a series of sniffles and illnesses made everything even harder. As I went along with my life, even the littlest things seemed super hard and exhausting. I just wanted a little comfort and ease, and a bit of nourishment to get me through. I found myself making a pot of soup every 3-4 days – just for quick repast for me and the family. I tried a few new recipes, as well as some standbys that comfort my tummy. Only after we were all well and rested up did my brain switch back on and I realized I should have been sharing these great recipes with everyone. I may have missed that boat, but it’s never too late. I have been making a pot of soup every weekend since it got cold and it has been great as the weather has gotten chilly and is super easy for the whole house to reheat and grab a chunk of bread to make a quick meal. Here are some seriously great recipes to try.
Recipe
Smoked Fish Chowder
This is kind of a catch-all chowder recipe. Feel free to alter to your taste and ingredients. Bacon, turkey or veggie bacon. No bacon. Add corn? Your call. On the day I took this picture, I had no bell peppers and used Shishito peppers instead. Also, I prefer my chowder a bit on the brothy side. My husband prefers a thicker chowder. If you do too, stir 2 Tablespoons of flour into the vegetables and cook for a minute before you add the wine.INGREDIENTS
- 4 strips bacon
- 2 Tbs. butter
- 1 Large yellow onion, chopped ½” chop/li>
- 2 Celery stalks, chopped
- 1 Red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 Tsp. dried thyme
- ½ Cup dry white wine
- 1½ lb. red or gold potatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or veggie broth
- 8 oz Hot smoked trout or other white fish, flaked into chunks
- 1½ cup half & half or 1 cup heavy cream
INSTRUCTIONS
- In heavy bottom soup pot, crisp bacon, remove, chop up bacon, and set aside for later. Remove all but 2 teaspoons of bacon fat. Add butter to pan and melt. Over medium-low heat, cook onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add celery and peppers and sauté for 3 minutes. Add herbs and, if using flour, stir a minute or two. Add wine and reduce for 5 minutes. Add broth and simmer 5-10 minutes. Add potatoes, simmer 10 more minutes. Add fish and bacon, simmer 3 minutes. Stir in half & half or cream and salt and pepper to taste.
More Delicious Soup Recipes
Here are some super yum recipes I made last month. All of them were so good and comforting. But most of all, so easy!
This Thai Coconut Chicken Soup recipe from Andrew Zimmerman for Food and Wine Magazine is a craving when I start to feel under the weather. It is one of my favorite soups ever!
My sister made this Zuppa Toscana Soup for me in October and I have made it half a dozen times since. I use spicy chicken or turkey Italian sausage, if I am feeling like keeping it lighter. To serve, sprinkle with a little grated parm. This recipe is super easy with great results.
This Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful Greek spin on chicken noodle soup. I love the fresh lemon.