Store-Cupboard Soup
I always have basic vegetables like carrots and celery in my fridge as they can form the base for so many dishes. Here, with a few extra cupboard items, you can make a fantastic soup in no time. Feel free to puree or half-puree the soup or leave it all chunky, depending on how you like it. Sometimes, I add a few dried porcini mushrooms to make it extra special.
I always have basic vegetables like carrots and celery in my fridge as they can form the base for so many dishes. Here, with a few extra cupboard items, you can make a fantastic soup in no time. Feel free to puree or half-puree the soup or leave it all chunky, depending on how you like it. Sometimes, I add a few dried porcini mushrooms to make it extra special.
- olive oil
- extra virgin olive oil
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic sliced
- fresh ingredients
- 2 rashers smoked streaky bacon chopped
- 2 whole red onions chopped
- 2 whole carrots chopped
- a few sprigs flat leaf parsley chopped
- bread to serve
- store cupboard ingredients
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried chiles crumbled
- 200 grams dried lentils
- 1 cube vegetable stock
- Carbohydrate 17.5373043748938 g
- Cholesterol 9.637 mg
- Fat 16.8228131249978 g
- Fiber 2.87422182673022 g
- Protein 3.69500937497755 g
- Saturated Fat 3.55413215624976 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (253g)
- Sodium 185.010031249921 mg
- Sugar 14.6630825481636 g
- Trans Fat 1.13779346874934 g
- Calories 230 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add a glug of oil, then bacon. Slowly fry for 6 minutes until the bacon has started to release its tasty fat and go crispy.
- Add thyme, chilli, onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cover and gently cook for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Add lentils and 1 litre (4 cups) water and crumble in stock cube if using.
- Bring to the boil and simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes until softened. (Check the packet instructions as different lentils vary in cooking time. If you're mixing the lentils, cook for the longest amount of time to make sure they're all cooked properly.)
- Add beans and if the soup's a little thick, add some water.
- Bring back to the boil and simmer for another 10 minutes, then taste and season.
- Ladle into bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the parsley.
- Serve with hunks of bread.
My Go-To Store-Cupboard Soup: A Weeknight Winner
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and preferably something the whole family will enjoy. That's where this Store-Cupboard Soup comes in. It's my secret weapon for those evenings when I'm juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the general chaos of family life. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability. I always keep basic vegetables like carrots and celery on hand – they're the perfect foundation for countless dishes, and this soup is no exception. With just a few pantry staples, I can whip up a hearty, flavorful meal in a fraction of the time it takes to order takeout.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Sometimes, I’ll add a can of diced tomatoes for extra sweetness and acidity. Other times, if I’m feeling adventurous, I might throw in a handful of dried porcini mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor. The best part? You can customize the consistency to your liking. Prefer a smooth, creamy soup? Simply puree the whole thing. Want a chunkier texture? Leave it as it is! The beauty of home cooking is the freedom to experiment and adjust the recipe to perfectly suit your tastes. This soup has become a regular in our household, a comforting and satisfying meal that even my picky eaters devour.
The ingredients are incredibly straightforward: onions, carrots, celery – all things I usually have on hand. Lentils add a wonderful heartiness, and bacon adds a surprising depth of savory flavor (you could easily substitute with pancetta or even omit it for a vegetarian version). The herbs, thyme and chilli, are just the right amount to add a subtle complexity, never overwhelming the main flavors. A drizzle of olive oil before serving brings it all together, creating a wonderfully simple and delicious soup.
This soup isn’t just a weeknight savior; it’s also incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are inexpensive and readily available, making it a perfect solution for those times when you’re trying to stick to a tighter budget. And if you’re a meal-prepper like me, you can easily double or triple the recipe and store it in the freezer for those extra-busy weeks. It reheats perfectly, making it an ideal grab-and-go lunch option. Ultimately, this store-cupboard soup isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and efficient cooking. In my busy life, it is a lifesaver.
Beyond the practical advantages, this soup holds a special place in my heart. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, taking the time to create a nourishing and delicious meal for your loved ones can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. And let's be honest, the comforting aroma of this soup simmering on the stove is a welcome invitation to slow down, relax, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life, even if just for a few minutes.
Beyond the Basics: Adding Your Own Twist
One of the great things about this soup is its adaptability. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little extra heat.
- Boost the veggies: Include other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or green beans for added nutrients and flavor.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of vitamins.
- Go creamy: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
- Garnish generously: Top with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
No matter how you choose to customize it, this Store-Cupboard Soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a simple, yet satisfying meal that proves you don't need fancy ingredients or hours of preparation to create something truly delicious. So, next time you're short on time but craving a comforting and flavorful meal, reach for this recipe. You won't regret it!
