WARMTH IN A BOWL

During brisk fall nights, there is no better way to relax than with a big ‘ole pot of deliciously homemade soup. This month I’m sharing two of my favorite vegetable soup recipes that are satisfying, healthy, and completely hassle-free.

WHITE BEAN SOUP

If you’re looking for a wholesome and hearty soup, you must try this one. It’s made up of simple ingredients and takes only a few minutes to put together!

2 cups dry white beans, soaked for 3 hours to overnight

2 stalks celery, minced

1 onion, minced

1/2 tsp. dry rosemary 

3 teaspoons salt

1 sweet potato, finely cubed

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbs. oil

1 small zucchini, finely cubed

1/2 tsp. turmeric 

8 cups water

1. In a soup pot, sauté the vegetables with the oil over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes.

2. Add the seasoning and white beans, then cover with water and bring to a boil.

3. Once boiling, cover the pot and lower the heat to medium. Cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. When the beans are tender, blend a third of the soup until creamy, then mix it into the rest of the soup. Add water to loosen, if needed.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH ZAATAR CROUTONS

Root veggies are a great way to make any ordinary soup creamy and irresistible. This soup will fill your home with delicious aromas for weeks. You’ll want to make this over and over!

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

1 onion, chopped

2 yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, stems included

2 tsp. salt

2 tbs. oil

1/2 tsp. black pepper

6-7 cups water

For the zaatar croutons:

3 slices bread, cubed

1 tbs. zaatar 

Drizzle of olive oil 

Sprinkle of salt

1. In a large soup pot, sauté the vegetables in the oil over high heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to caramelize.

2. Add in the seasoning and the water and bring to a boil, then reduce the flame to medium and cover the pot. Cook for 25 minutes until the squash is fork-tender.

3. Meanwhile, toss the cubed bread with the zaatar, salt, and olive oil and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy. 

4. Blend the soup until smooth. Serve with croutons. 

CHEF’S TIP:

How to turn soup into a meal

These simple side dishes can turn a bowl of soup into a satisfying and hearty meal

• Cornbread – top with cheese, jalapeños, even bits of pastrami! 
• Matza balls – cook separately and serve in the soup.
• Tortellini – boil frozen cheese/meat-filled tortellini and add it to any broth or soup.
• Croutons – see above recipe for zaatar croutons.
• Rice – add a scoop of brown or white rice to a veggie bean soup or chicken broth.