WINTER WARMTH

It’s the chilly season of soups and stews, and I’ve put together two delicious recipes for you to try. They’re both flavorful and easy make-ahead recipes that will have you and your family asking for more!

POTATO LEEK SOUP

This soup is simple yet packed with flavor. The potatoe creates a rich, velvety texture that will leave you wanting another bowl.  

6 potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 leeks, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. dry thyme
1 1/2 tsp. salt

3 tbs. oil
4 cups water

1. Heat a large pot over high heat, then sauté the potato and leek with the oil for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

2. Add the spices and water and bring to a boil.

3. Once boiled, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. 

4. Allow to cool slightly then blend using an immersion blender. Serve with fried leek. 

BEEF BEAN CHILI

Beef chili is a great dish everyone loves! Chunky stewed vegetables with tender beef crumbles makes this soup super hearty. I like to eat this with tortilla chips.

1 lb. ground beef
1 jalapeno pepper (or bell pepper)
1 onion
2 tbs. tomato paste
1 tsp. salt
14 oz can diced tomatoes
14 oz can kidney beans
14 oz can black beans
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 garlic powder
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 cup water

1. Sauté the beef over high heat for about 10 minutes until cooked through.  Break it up into crumbles using a spoon.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients besides water and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the water, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until the beef is tender. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa.

CHEFS TIP:

How to make homemade soup taste even better:

1. Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces. This will endure that all the vegetables cook evenly.

2. Sweat the vegetables. Take the time to sauté the vegetable base of your soups. This alone will triple the flavor!

3. Salt properly. Taste the broth before bringing it to a boil and adjust the salt levels.

4. Simmer. Once the soup has come to a boil, allow it to simmer for the rest of its cooking time. This will create a smooth soup with pleasing texture.