Category Archives: soups and stews

Texas Style Chili #foodbloggers4tx

Posted in beef, main dishes, soups and stews, Uncategorized by

A note: The #foodbloggers4tx event was organized before Hurricane Irma started marching her destructive path through the Caribbean and Florida. While today’s post reflects on Harvey and helping those still picking up the pieces, my heart is with those in Irma’s wake, too – and I’ll have a post up with ways to help soon.

foodbloggers4tx

We, like most of the rest of the country, watched as Hurricane Harvey pummeled Texas. It’s so hard to watch so many people lose everything in these situations – where nature just takes over and nothing you do will help.

When it’s my neighbors or friends that are struggling,  I tend to cook. Food is my love language, so a dinner or try of baked goods always makes be feel like I’m doing something good. But when the trouble is hundreds of miles away, I turn to groups that already on the ground feeding people – in this case, Houston Food Bank.

It’s hard to downplay how much good local organizations like the Houston Food Bank do. If you’re looking for a way to help out, donating to them is a great way.

TexasChili

Texas-Style Chili
(from House of Yum)
Serves 4

1 lb. ground beef
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. onion power
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
Fritos, shredded cheddar, and chopped red onion, optional, for serving

Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking up, until no longer pink. Drain the grease and add the tomato sauce, broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Stir in all spices until well combined.

Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Serve the chili over Fritos, topped with cheese and onion, if desired.

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Chicken Tortilla Soup with Hatch Chilies

Posted in chicken, main dishes, soups and stews by

I’m really having a love/hate relationship with this cooler weather in the morning. I love fall and this summer was humid beyond belief so the break is so, so welcome. But it’s also reminder that winter’s knocking on the door. I feel like my favorite season is going to get crowded out fast this year so I’m trying to savor every minute of it.

This quick and easy soup is our first of the fall season. I always anticipate soups taking a lot time to prep but using a rotisserie chicken sped this along nicely. I loved the kick the hatch chilies gave it, but you could also use canned, chopped green chilies or omit the chilies altogether.

HatchTortillaSoup

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Hatch Chilies
(from The Wicked Noodle)
Serves 8

4 large tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1/2 white onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. cumin
32 oz. chicken broth
4 hatch chiles, roasted, peeled, stemmed and seeded, then diced
4 cups shredded chicken (or one whole rotisserie chicken)
Toppings: sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, avocado

Preheat the broiler. Half the tomatoes and place them cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and season with salt. Broil until the skins are beginning to blister and blacken, about 5 minutes.

In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about five minutes. Stir in garlic and cumin and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. Add the roasted tomatoes and their juices along with the chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine and let simmer for 15 minutes. Puree with a hand blender, then stir in hatch chilies and chicken. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes and then serve.

Steak Chili

Posted in beef, main dishes, soups and stews by

Friday is the official first day of spring and it’s actually starting to feel like spring here. This winter was pretty brutal with the below-freezing temperatures and ice storms, so I’m relishing the fact that most afternoons it’s warm enough for walking outside.

We are still getting a few cold days, though – my Mother-in-law texted a few days ago she was getting snow! – so I’ve been using them to cook a few more wintery dishes that I know I won’t want to make in a few weeks. (Bring on grilling weather!)

We usually make chili with ground beef, so the chunks of beef in this one were a nice change of pace. It packs a nice flavor punch for the minimal number of ingredients and is definitely something I’ll break out again next winter!

SteakChili

Steak Chili
(from Damn Delicious)
Serves 6

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 lbs. stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
Slat and pepper, to taste
1 red onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 jalapenos, minced
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 15 oz. cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-2 cups water
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for serving

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Season meat with salt and pepper and add tohot pot. Cook for about 2 minutes, turning so that all sides brown. Add in onion, garlic andjalapenos and cook 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, kidney beans and enough water so that everything is covered. Stir well to combine.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Serve topped with shredded cheese.

Vegetable Minestrone

Posted in soups and stews, vegetarian by

You’d think after the soup swap I’d be pretty much soup-ed out, but nope. The weather here is just too perfect for soup and I’ve been craving it like crazy.

This is a copycat of the Olive Garden minestrone – and it’s a good one. Serve along with a loaf of crusty bread and it’s the perfect snow-day lunch.

VegetableMinestrone

Vegetable Minestrone
(adapted from Cooking Classy)
Serves 6

4 cups vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups water
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 tsp. parsley
2 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. rosemary
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/3 cups diced zucchini
1 1/3 cups small shell pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can cannellini beans
1 can green beans
2 cups spinach

In a large pot, stir together the vegetable stock, water, tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for two hours.

Add zucchini, pasta, garlic, kidney beans and cannellini beans to the pot and stir to combine. Cook until pasta is tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in the green beans and spinach and cook a few minutes, until heated through. Serve warm.

Southwest Bean Soup

Posted in soups and stews, vegan, vegetarian by

This soup was my contribution to the Soup Swap Party. It’s one my Mom has been making for years – it’s really easy and really good.

I generally expect soup recipes to take a while, but this one is super quick. The bulk of this soup is canned beans and canned tomatoes so the faster you open cans, the faster this makes it to the table. It took me about twenty minutes total, because I’m generally a terrible can-opener and was juggling the baby. I’m fairly certain you would be faster.

I eat mine without toppings (cornbread on the side is my go-to!) but it would be good with tortilla strips, cheddar or sour cream.

SouthwesternBeanSoup

Southwest Bean Soup
(from Taste of Home)
Makes 3 quarts

1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp. canola oil
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
2 cans vegetable broth
1 can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. hot sauce

In a large pot, heat the oil to shimmering and cook onion until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Chili Braised Beef with Cornbread Dumplings

Posted in beef, main dishes, soups and stews by

Sometime back in August (or, July maybe?), I made a list of football food. Dishes I could cook up on Sundays while Mark and I were hanging out and watching the game. I had grand visions of lazy days and indulgent food.

What happened, you ask? Well, we’re Giants fans. I think that explains it well enough.

Still, there were a few things on that list that I couldn’t wait to make – whether we were footballing or not. This is one of them. Chunky, spicy beef topped with cornbread? I don’t think you could dream up a better meal for a chilly fall night.

ChiliBraisedBeef

Chili Braised Beef with Cornbread Dumplings
(slightly adapted from Donna Hay)
Serves 6

For the beef:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 lbs. stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp. sweet smoked paprika
2 chipotle chilies in adobo
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 32 oz. can cherry tomatoes
2 cups beef stock

For the dumplings:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 cup instant polenta
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan over high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper and brown, about three minute, cooking in batches if needed. Remove the beef to a bowl.

Heat the remaining oil in the pan, add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the paprika and chipotle chilies and cook for 1 minute. Return the beef to the pan along with the brown sugar, tomato paste, cherry tomatoes, and stock, and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 3–3½ hours or until tender.

Preheat oven 400F degrees.

Place the flour, baking powder, polenta, buttermilk, salt, pepper, cheese and cilantro in a bowl and mix to combine. Spoon onto the beef and bake, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through and golden.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Posted in chicken, main dishes, recipe swap, soups and stews by

After a few days of almost summer-like weather, we’re back to soup weather. It’s in the 50s and raining. I miss the warm weather already! Although, this soup is helping make the day a little brighter and warmer.

I tried out this recipe as part of the latest recipe swap – the theme was chicken. Chicken pot pie is such a comfort-food staple and this soup really captures the flavors of it.

ChickenPotPie

Chicken Pot Pie Soup
(from Dough See Dough)
Serves 4

For the crust:
2 c. all purpose flour
2/3 c. shortening
1 t. salt
1/3 c. milk

For the soup:
2 t. olive oil, divided
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced or shredded
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 c. all purpose flour
5 c. chicken broth
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the crust: In a large bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until well blended and mixture is crumbly. Gently stir in the milk with a fork and mix until just combined. Pat dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425F degees. Roll the dough out on a well-floured surface to 1/8″ thick. Cut into 3″ circles with a biscuit or cookie cutter. Lay dough on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12 – 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Set aside.

To make the soup: Heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add  the potatoes, celery, carrots, and onion to the dutch oven and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.

Stir in the flour to coat vegetables well. Slowly stir in thechicken broth,1 cup at a time. Bring the soup to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer until soup thickens then add in corn, peas and chicken. Stir and cook until peas are heated through.

Serve soup hot with pie crust.

You can see what the others bloggers made for the swap below. Thanks, Sarah, for hosting!

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Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup

Posted in soups and stews, vegetarian by

Is there a more comforting meal than tomato soup and grilled cheese? If there is, I can’t think of it.

I’d been craving the classic combo when I ran across this soup. It struck me as a more grown-up version of my beloved canned tomato soup. It was really good. I loved the chunky vegetables and the addition of the parmesan cheese. I think I’ll be retiring my cans in favor of this recipe from now on!

Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup
(from Today’s Mama)
Serves 4

1 (14oz.) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1/2 c. finely diced celery
1/2 c. finely diced carrots
1/2 c.  finely diced onions
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/2 T. dried basil
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 bay leaf
1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c.butter
1 c. milk, warmed
1 t. salt
Pinch of black pepper

Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup of the hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker.

Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed milk, salt and pepper.  Add additional basil and oregano if needed

Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

Smokey BBQ Chili

Posted in main dishes, one dish meals, soups and stews, vegetarian by

I love meatless meals that don’t feel meatless. Ones that are beefy and hearty and really stick to your ribs. This is one of them.

This is a vegan recipe, but it’s one that non-vegans would enjoy just as much – a perfect option if you’re having vegan or vegetarian friends over for lunch or dinner.

It takes a while to simmer so you have to plan ahead, but it’s totally worth it.

Smokey BBQ Chili
(from Oh She Glows) 
Serves 6

1 t. extra virgin olive oil
1 sweet onion, peeled and chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2.5 T. chili powder, or to taste
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. smoked paprika
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 c. dry/uncooked black eyed peas
3/4 c. dry/uncooked black beans
6 c. vegetable broth
1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes, liquid drained
2 T. tomato paste
1 T. chia seeds
1 c. frozen corn
2 T. your fav BBQ sauce
1/2 t. kosher salt, or to taste
Couple handfuls of chopped spinach, or other greens like collard, kale, etc

Soak the beans in water overnight or for at least 3-4 hours. Rinse and drain beans before using.

In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the onion and garlic over medium-low heat for about 5-6 minutes, until translucent. Add in the pepper and optional jalapeno and sauté for another 3-5 minutes.  Stir in the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne) and sauté on low another couple minutes.

Add the dry black beans and black eyed peas, broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well. Now stir in the tomato paste. Simmer on low with the lid ajar for about 2.5 hours, checking often to make sure it doesn’t dry out. If it does, add a bit more broth to thin out.

About 15 minutes before it’s done cooking, stir in the chia seeds, corn, and chopped greens. The chia helps thicken the chili. Also stir in the BBQ sauce, starting with 1 tbsp at a time and tasting as you go. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Buffalo Chicken Chowder

Posted in soups and stews by

This is the second year of the Souper Bowl at Branny Boils Over. She’s asked bloggers to share soup recipes in honor of they animals they love – and in return she’s making a donation to the ASPCA.

I’m always happy for an opportunity to show off these guys:

Kali and Rocky. We rescued them two years ago and they’ve become the heart of our little family. Words can’t fully express how much I love those little guys and how much they make my days better. You know what makes their days better? Chicken. More specifically, the freeze dried chicken treats that they love. All you have to do is yell “chicky!” in our house and they come running.

In that spirit, I decided a batch of chicken soup would be perfect for the Souper Bowl – but I wasn’t in the mood for something traditional. This was awesome – like a bowl of buffalo wings in soup form.

Buffalo Chicken Chowder
(from Closet Cooking)
Serves 4 

2 T. butter
1 lb. chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
1 c. onion, diced
1 c. celery, cut into small pieces
1 c. carrot, cut into small pieces
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 T. flour
3 c. chicken stock
1/4 c. hot sauce (or to taste)
1 large yukon gold or other boiling potato, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 c. heavy cream
1/4 c. blue cheese, crumbled

Melt the butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and saute until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the onion, celery and carrots and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add the garlic and flour and cook until fragrant, about a minute.

Add the chicken broth and deglaze the pan. Add the hot sauce and potatoes, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, mix in the cream and blue cheese and remove from heat when the cheese has melted.