What is soup

Soup is a type of liquid food that is typically made by combining various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, or legumes in a liquid base, often consisting of water, broth, or stock. The ingredients are usually cooked together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.
To prepare soup, the ingredients are first chopped, diced, or sliced into smaller pieces to allow for even cooking and easier consumption. Then, a cooking vessel like a pot or a saucepan is used to heat the liquid base. Once the base is heated, the ingredients are added to the pot and cooked until they become tender and release their flavors into the liquid.
Spices, herbs, and seasonings are often added to enhance the taste of the soup. Common spices include salt, pepper, garlic, and onion, while herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley can be used to add aromatic notes. The type and combination of spices and herbs used can vary widely based on the cultural and regional preferences of the dish.
The cooking process can take various forms, such as simmering, boiling, or slow-cooking, depending on the type of ingredients used and the desired texture of the soup. After cooking, the soup is typically allowed to cool slightly before being served.

Soups can be classified into different categories based on their characteristics. Clear soups, such as consommés, are made by clarifying the liquid to achieve a clear appearance. Thick soups, such as chowders or cream soups, are made by adding a thickening agent like flour, cornstarch, or pureed vegetables to create a thicker consistency.
Additionally, soups can be tailored to suit specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan soups exclude meat and animal products, while gluten-free soups avoid ingredients containing gluten.
Overall, soup is a versatile and comforting dish enjoyed around the world, providing a nourishing and flavorful meal that can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.

instant pot vegetable soup:

Introduction:

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating a delectable Instant Pot vegetable soup. Perfect for beginners, this recipe promises a hearty and nutritious meal in no time. Embrace the convenience of the Instant Pot as we explore step by step how to prepare a flavorful vegetable soup that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients:

Gather the following ingredients before embarking on your culinary journey:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

6 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.

Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Introduce carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Broth

Sprinkle dried thyme and oregano over the vegetables, stirring gently to coat them evenly.

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to enhance the soup’s rich flavor.

Carefully add the vegetable broth to the pot.

Toss in the bay leaf, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper to season the soup.

Step 4: Pressure Cooking

Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to “Sealing.”

Select the “Soup” mode or manually set high pressure and a timer for 5 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Incorporate Greens

Open the Instant Pot and discard the bay leaf.

Stir in the freshly chopped spinach or kale, allowing the residual heat to wilt the greens.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

Ladle the vegetable soup into bowls and savor the vibrant colors and aromatic flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your vegetable soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of taste.

Pair your soup with crusty bread or your favorite crackers.

Serve the soup while it’s hot and relish in the satisfaction of a homemade meal.

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups water

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the sliced carrots, diced celery, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, water, and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices).

Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

After 20 minutes, add the trimmed green beans and corn kernels to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

Before serving, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember that the canned tomatoes and broth might already contain some salt.

Discard the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve the hearty chicken vegetable soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your nourishing and delicious homemade chicken vegetable soup .

how to can vegetable soup:

Canning vegetable soup involves a few steps:

Preparation:

Prepare your soup by chopping vegetables, adding broth or liquid, and any seasonings. Cook the soup, but avoid overcooking the vegetables as they’ll soften during the canning process.

Sterilize Jars:

Wash your canning jars and lids with hot soapy water. Sterilize them by boiling in water for 10 minutes, or use a dishwasher’s sterilization cycle.

Fill Jars:

Ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. This space allows for expansion during the canning process.

Remove Air Bubbles:

Gently tap the jars on a countertop to remove any trapped air bubbles. You can also use a non-metallic utensil to help release air bubbles.

Wipe Jar Rims:

Clean the rim of each jar with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.

Attach Lids:

Place sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.

Process Jars:

Place the filled jars in a canner filled with hot water. The water level should cover the jars by at least 1-2 inches. Follow a trusted recipe for processing times based on your altitude and the size of jars.

Boil and Seal:

Bring the water to a rolling boil and maintain it for the recommended processing time. After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for a few minutes before removing.

Cool and Check Seals:

Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel or cooling rack. As the jars cool, you should hear a “ping” sound as the lids seal. Check the lids after they’ve cooled to ensure they are properly sealed (the center of the lid should be concave and not move when pressed).

Label and Store:

Label your sealed jars with the contents and date. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Remember, canning requires careful attention to hygiene and safety. Follow a trusted recipe and canning guidelines to ensure that your vegetable soup is properly canned and safe to eat.

what to serve with vegetable soup:

Vegetable soup pairs well with options like crusty bread, a side salad, or even a simple grain like rice or quinoa. These accompaniments can add texture, flavor, and a balanced meal experience.

how many calories are in vegetable soup:

The number of calories in vegetable soup can vary widely depending on the ingredients and serving size. On average, a bowl of vegetable soup can range from 50 to 150 calories. To get a more accurate estimate, you might want to check the specific ingredients and their quantities in the soup recipe.