Winter Warm-up Soup

Winter Warm-up Soup Recipe with Onion, Mushrooms, Carrots, and More

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Winter Warm-up Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for those cold winter days. This soup is packed with vegetables, pasta, and flavorful herbs, making it a satisfying meal on its own.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family as a go-to meal during the winter months. It was originally created as a way to use up leftover vegetables and pantry staples, resulting in a delicious and nutritious soup that warms the soul.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 can chicken broth (49.5 oz (1.40 kg))
4 medium carrots, chopped
1 large potato, peeled and cubed
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
0.5 to 1 tsp salt
1 cup uncooked bow tie pasta
1 can whole kernel corn (15.25 oz (432 g)) or 1.5 cup frozen corn
4 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced and quartered

How to prepare

In a large kettle, sauté the onion and mushrooms in oil until tender.
Add the broth, carrots, potato, and seasonings.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.
Drain.
Add the pasta, corn, and tomatoes to the soup.
Cook for 5 minutes longer or until heated through and the vegetables are tender.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.
Swap out the pasta for rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions and mushrooms until they are tender to bring out their flavors.

- Cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup at the end helps prevent it from becoming mushy.

- Adjust the salt and seasonings to taste, as everyone's preferences vary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Winter Warm-up Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and mushrooms adds depth of flavor to the soup.

- Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious result.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta or grain you prefer.

- Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

- Use any vegetables you have on hand for a customizable soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Winter Warm-up Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Winter Warm-up Soup with a glass of red wine or a cup of hot tea for a cozy meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Winter Warm-up Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Winter Warm-up Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Winter Warm-up Soup contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Winter Warm-up Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Winter Warm-up Soup contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Winter Warm-up Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain allergens from the chicken broth. Be sure to check labels for any allergen information.

Summary

Winter Warm-up Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Winter Warm-up Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for warming up on cold winter days. Packed with vegetables, pasta, and flavorful herbs, this soup is a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Winter Warm-up Soup. It was a cold and blustery day, the kind that chills you to the bone and leaves you craving something warm and comforting. I had just arrived at my friend Margaret's house for our weekly cooking exchange, where we would each share a recipe with one another.

As I stepped into Margaret's cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma. Margaret was bustling about, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove. I asked her what she was making, and she simply replied, "Winter Warm-up Soup."

Curious, I watched as she added broth, carrots, celery, onions, and a handful of herbs and spices to the pot. The mixture simmered away, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent. Margaret explained that this soup was her go-to recipe for cold winter days, a comforting blend of hearty vegetables and warming spices.

I eagerly accepted a bowl of the soup and took my first spoonful. The flavors exploded in my mouth - savory, slightly sweet, and with just a hint of spice. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, a perfect antidote to the chilly weather outside.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, and she happily obliged. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was thrilled to add this new recipe to my collection and couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following Margaret's instructions to the letter. As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I could already feel the warmth seeping into my bones. When it was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took a tentative sip.

The taste was just as I remembered - pure comfort in a bowl. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying broth that warmed me from the inside out. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, a dish to turn to whenever I needed a little pick-me-up on a cold winter's day.

Over the years, I have continued to make Winter Warm-up Soup whenever the weather turns chilly. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds. It has become a beloved tradition in my household, a reminder of the warmth and comfort that good food can bring.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Winter Warm-up Soup on the stove, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple joys that cooking has brought into my life. Each recipe tells a story, a connection to the past and a promise for the future. And as I take a spoonful of the steaming soup, I am reminded once again of the power of a good meal to warm both body and soul.