just soup.

Maybe it is because I am back at school and am poor. Maybe it is that almost-fall weather. Or maybe soup is just awesome and I forgot.
All you need to make soup is some leftovers and some water. And a large pot. A wooden spoon. Well, you get it. Very simple stuff.
Here are some of the incredibly easy soups I have made recently.

As ususal, I am a PRO when it comes to giving measurements. Really though, I just think of myself has a very experimental and happy cook who wants to share my findings. So there. Continued...

Spinach Soup

- a couple of onions carmelized in butter
- a clove or two of garlic
- fresh spinach (or that slightly wilted, leftover salad making stuff)
- chicken broth
- salt and pepper (easy on the salt with the canned chicken broth)

1. Cook for awhile
2. Blend. (A certain Neuman has an awesome blender-stick aparatus that is very appropriate)
3. Garnish with fresh ricotta cheese, maybe some green onion, yummy bread, a little olive oil. Great Stuff.
Plays well with add-ins.

Tomato Lentil Soup

- The Big Three: carrot, celery, onion (all chopped small)
- a can of crushed tomatoes
- salt, pepper, bay leaf, fresh parsley
- a cup or so of lentils, rinsed
- a couple cans chicken broth
- water if/as needed

Heartier than regular tomato soup. This is a great one for just throwing everything in the pot and letting it go for awhile. Lentils don't have to be precooked or anything. As with most tomato dishes, this really wakes up with a little booze. Just a dash of wine is nice. Tastes great with olive oil on top (the good stuff, mind you).

Creamy Broccoli
- The Big Three: chop the onion and celery really smal, but add extra carrots and keep them chunky. Carrots and broccoli are kinda magical to me
- a couple cans vegetable broth
- a couple cups broccoli florets, chopped
- salt and pepper
- water
- half a cup to a cup of half and half

Don't put the half and half in until the vegetables are cooked for a bit, then add the half and half and simmer gently. Let cool very well, it thickens. Garnish with cheddar cheese. (Okay, okay, not one of my healther dishes, but oh so good)

Split Pea Soup
- The Big Three, chopped
- lots of chicken broth
- green split peas, rinsed
- salt, pepper, bay leaf, parsley

Another one for the stick blender. This seems very impressive when it is done. It is nice to have lots of stuff to put on top. Everyone puts ham with it, but it is great with smoked turkey too.


So those are some of them. I am going to experiment with black beans, canned green chiles, and red bell peppers. I need to go to the store and get cumin. MMmmmmmh.