6 TIPS FOR BETTER SOUP

By Chef Stacy Maple

It's Soup Season!

The air is cooler, the days are shorter and the tree tops are a kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow hues.  It’s autumn and time for soup!   Here are six tips for cooking soup that will make your soups taste better and save you time in the kitchen this season.

6 Tips for Better Soups

Tip #1:  Sweat Aromatics 

Start all soups by sweating aromatics in a small amount of oil or butter in the bottom of your soup pot.  Aromatics are onions, garlic, shallots and leeks. Once they have softened, THEN add fresh vegetables, raw meats, herbs and spices.

Tip #2:  Add Stock Last  

Once your aromatics are softened, add fresh vegetables, raw meats, herbs and spices.  Add your stock LAST.  If you add your stock too early, the ingredients will lose their flavors in the stock.  By adding stock last, the flavors of your ingredients develop in layers. These layers make your soup taste better, adding richness and depth in flavor. 

Tip #3:   Use Delicious, Slurp-able Liquids

Soups are mostly liquid disguised as broth, stock, wine or cream.  Whatever the liquid in your soup, use one that you want to drink…or slurp!  

Tip #4:  Use a Heavy Soup Pot 

A large, heavy bottom pot is essential.  A heavy bottom pot holds heat well, allowing you to maintain steady simmers and gentle boils longer and will help prevent scorching your soup.  It will also keep your soup warmer longer when it comes time to serve it.

Tip #5:  Make it Spoon Sized 

Cut ingredients to bite sized pieces that fit easily on your spoon.  Remember this for garnishes too.

Tip #6:  Garnish Your Soup 

A garnish can add a pop of flavor, a little bite or texture and a splash of color to your soup.  Garnish with citrus zest, dried fruit pieces or spicy peppers to brighten the flavors in an otherwise heavy soup.  Garnish with small toasted croutons, tortilla strips or a few crumbles of cheese to add texture and a little bite to a soup that is smooth.  Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs to add color and eye appeal.  The right garnish can take a good soup and make it great!