Creamy Condensed Soup
Master the Art of Soup: Introducing the Basic Creamy Soup Base
Soup season is always in season, right? But sometimes, the thought of building a soup from scratch feels… daunting. What if we told you there’s a secret weapon to simplify your soup-making, allowing you to create delicious, comforting bowls in a fraction of the time? Enter our Basic Creamy Soup Base!
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a foundation. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Once you master this simple base, you can transform it into everything from a classic tomato soup to a hearty broccoli cheddar, or even something entirely new! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, utilizing leftover vegetables, or just when you’re craving a warm, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Soup Base:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for when time is short.
- Versatile: The possibilities are endless! Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, and seasonings.
- Healthy: We use whole-wheat flour and low-sodium broth for a nutritious start.
- Budget-Friendly: A little base goes a long way, stretching your ingredients further.
How to Customize Your Soup:
Once your base is ready, the fun begins! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Tomato Soup: Add a can of crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Broccoli Cheddar: Stir in steamed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Creamy Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the base.
- Spicy Black Bean: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of chili powder.
- Butternut Squash: Puree roasted butternut squash and stir it in.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t skip the sautéing: Sautéing the onion properly builds flavor.
- Whisk constantly: This prevents lumps from forming.
- Adjust the thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup, or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Reduce sodium: Using low-sodium broth is a great start, but taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Let’s get cooking! This Basic Creamy Soup Base is your ticket to endless soup possibilities. We can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different types of flour?
A: Yes, you can! All-purpose flour will also work, but whole-wheat flour adds a bit more nutrition and flavor.
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
A: Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian or vegan soup.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The soup base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Q: How do I prevent the soup from being lumpy?
A: Whisk constantly while adding the broth and milk. If lumps do form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth them out.
Q: Can I add herbs and spices directly to the base?
A: Yes! Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices during the simmering process to infuse the base with flavor.
Basic Creamy Soup Base
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 3 tbsp whole-wheat flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, reduced by half
- 1/2 cup skim milk
Instructions
- In a saucepan or pot, heat oil on medium. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Stir in broth, milk and optional top flavor ingredient (see sidebar at right).
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, until thickened. Allow to cool and use as desired.
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