Seasonal Summer Soup

A Summer's Day in a Bowl: My Seasonal Summer Soup

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the garden is bursting with color. Summer is undeniably my favorite time of year, and what better way to celebrate the season's bounty than with a vibrant, flavorful soup? This isn't just any soup; this is a celebration of summer's freshest ingredients, a testament to the simple joy of cooking with what nature provides.

I've always loved the process of cooking. From carefully selecting the freshest produce at the farmers' market to the satisfying clink of the knife as I chop vegetables, each step is a meditative experience. This soup embodies that feeling. It's a dish that is as much about the journey as it is the destination, a beautiful dance between simmering broth and the sweet crunch of fresh corn. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weekday evening.

The magic begins with the broth. I often make a large batch of chicken broth from scratch, and this is the perfect recipe to utilize those leftover carcasses. The result is a rich, deeply flavorful base that elevates the entire dish. It's a reminder to embrace resourcefulness in the kitchen. Don’t throw away those bones; they’re packed with flavor, just waiting to be transformed!

The vegetables are the stars of the show. The sweet corn, bursting with sunshine, is a summer staple. The delicate summer squash adds a touch of subtle sweetness, and the vibrant bell peppers contribute a bright pop of color and flavor. I love to use organic produce whenever possible, not only for the superior taste but also to support sustainable farming practices. It's a small way to make a big difference.

The spices are where the magic really happens. A generous blend of cumin, oregano, and a hint of chipotle chili powder creates a warm, inviting flavor profile. The fresh cilantro adds a touch of freshness, while the squeeze of lime brightens everything up. It’s a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavors, a harmony created by Mother Nature’s finest offerings.

And don't forget the toppings! A sprinkle of cotija cheese adds a delightful salty crunch. The sliced avocado, fresh tomatoes, and jicama offer a textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor. I often like to adjust the toppings based on what I have on hand; sometimes, it's a colorful array of garden vegetables, other times it’s simply a handful of fresh herbs. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability.

This soup is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures, and savor the taste of summer. Whether you're enjoying it on a warm evening with friends or savoring a quiet bowl by yourself, this Seasonal Summer Soup is sure to transport you to a place of serenity and delight. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the magic of summer cooking fill your kitchen.

Beyond the Recipe: A Summer of Flavor

This soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable dish. It's a reminder that sometimes the most delicious meals are the ones made with love and fresh, seasonal produce. The process of creating this soup is as enjoyable as eating it, from selecting the ingredients to savoring the final bowl. I encourage you to experiment with different toppings and spices to personalize the recipe and make it your own. The possibilities are endless.

I often find myself reflecting on the many summers spent crafting recipes like this one. There's a certain nostalgia that comes with seasonal cooking, a connection to the earth and its rhythms. Every bite is a memory in the making, a reminder of the warmth and bounty of the season. This soup, for me, is more than just a recipe; it's a collection of memories, a taste of summer, and a reflection of the joy that cooking brings.

So, go ahead and embrace the flavors of summer. Make this soup, share it with loved ones, and let the simple act of cooking bring you joy and connection. Because at the end of the day, it's the shared experiences and the simple pleasures that make life truly worthwhile. And what better way to celebrate those pleasures than with a delicious, homemade bowl of summer soup?

Step-by-step

• Place the two chicken carcasses in a large soup pot and cover completely with cold water along with a few big pinches of salt.
• Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, turn the heat down until the water is simmering and simmer the carcasses for 1 ½ - 2 hours or until the meat is coming off the bones and the bones are soft.
• During this process, tilt the lid on your pot so that some of the steam escapes but not so much that the liquid greatly reduces.
• Strain the broth and set aside, this is liquid gold and will be the base for your soup!
• In the meantime, let the chicken carcasses cool until you are able to handle the meat and bones and this is when it gets fun.
• Pick out all the delicious edible meat, pull what you can from the bones, and set the meat aside to later be added to your soup.
• Discard the bones.
• Now, add the olive oil to the bottom of your clean soup pot and heat over medium heat.
• Add the onion and bell pepper, season with a little sea salt, and sauté until the onions and peppers are salt.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté just until the garlic is fragrant.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth that you had set aside and bring to a simmer.
• While you are waiting for your broth to simmer, cut the kernels off your ears of corn.
• Add the fresh corn and the yellow summer squash or zucchini to the broth and let cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Add the chicken, the spices, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste and let simmer another 5-7 minutes.
• Check your seasoning and add more cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and/or lime juice per your personal taste preference! This soup should be bursting with flavor!
• To serve, ladle a big ol’ serving into your soup bowl and top heartily with all your toppings, finishing with a generous sprinkle of the cotija cheese if desired.
• Enjoy and eat the leftovers for breakfast – that’s an order!