Chicken taco soup

Details here: https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-chicken-taco-soup-248133 We used shredded meat from 1/3 rotisserie chicken. Despite its generous seasonings, we found the soup flat. We supplemented with a dash of Worchestershire sauce, soy sauce, and white wine vinegar. We found that freshly squeezed lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro added brightness. We served with tortilla chips. (Jan. 2021)

Beef barley soup, version 2

We tried this Skinnytaste recipe: https://www.skinnytaste.com/beef-barley-soup/ We made a few modifications: first, we cut our beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces, so we reduced pressure-cooking time to 12 mins on medium-low (we started timer after the pressure cooker had reached full pressure). Second, we added 6 cups beef broth instead of water, and we added… Continue reading Beef barley soup, version 2

Filipino sour soup with salmon and daikon, shortcut style

First, dice 1 large onion (or 1 medium onion plus 1 small shallot) and mince 3 large cloves garlic. Trim 6 oz green beans and cut into bite sized diagonal pieces (about 1.5-2 inches), and set aside. Peel a small daikon (about ½ lb), cut into ¾ inch slices, and set aside. Cut 1 lb… Continue reading Filipino sour soup with salmon and daikon, shortcut style

Chinese-style soup with frozen dumplings

We loosely followed this recipe for broth only: https://omnivorescookbook.com/recipes/wonton-soup/ Our modifications: first, we cut ½ block of five-spice pressed tofu into matchsticks (about ½ cup), and sauteed in 1 tsp oil in a medium Dutch oven until browned. Second, add to the pot: 6 cups chicken broth (4 cups unsalted, 2 cups Better Than Bouillon),… Continue reading Chinese-style soup with frozen dumplings

Rotisserie chicken matzoh ball soup

We felt inspired by this shortcut recipe: https://www.whiskedaway.co/blog/2015/10/05/jewish-grandma-approved-matzo-ball-soup Our modifications: first, instead of using matzoh ball mix, we followed Joan Nathan’s recipe for matzoh balls, which is: in a medium mixing bowl, combine 4 eggs with ¼ cup schmaltz (we used olive oil instead), then stir in 1 cup matzoh meal and ½ tsp salt… Continue reading Rotisserie chicken matzoh ball soup

Afghan kidney bean curry

Details here: https://www.thecuriouschickpea.com/afghan-kidney-bean-curry/. We made slight modifications: first, we toasted the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and ¼ tsp dried epazote (which we used in lieu of ½ tsp dried mint) in a small pan without oil, and then used a mortar and pestle. Then we heated 2 tsp vegetable oil in a low-walled Dutch oven,… Continue reading Afghan kidney bean curry

Hungarian-style minced beef goulash

We tried this recipe: https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Ground-Beef-Goulash-1424816 We had a high-walled, large stainless steel pan, so we managed to make this recipe without using the second pot (instead, we held the cooked beef and onion in a large mixing bowl before adding them back into the pan later, along with the 1.5 cups chicken broth). We reduced… Continue reading Hungarian-style minced beef goulash

Simple rotisserie chicken and pasta soup

We did not follow a specific recipe this time, but we threw this together following our instincts. We used ½ a rotisserie chicken, from which we separated the meat from the carcass, loose bones, and skin. First, dice 2 to 3 celery stalks, 1 large carrot, and 1 medium onion. Second, heat 1 Tbsp olive… Continue reading Simple rotisserie chicken and pasta soup

Moroccan spiced lentil and chickpea soup (harira)

We tried this recipe: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/spiced-moroccan-vegetable-soup-with-chickpeas-cilantro-and-lemon-harira Although this recipe calls for 7 cups chicken broth, it could easily be substituted for vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian. For the spices, we found it slightly underseasoned; we recommend adding 50% more harissa, cumin, and turmeric. (Sept. 2020)

Korean dumpling soup (mandu guk)

This is a supreme shortcut version. We took inspiration from this recipe: https://mykoreankitchen.com/manduguk-korean-dumpling-soup/ Our modifications: first, for the broth, we combined 6 cups water with 1.5 tsp Better Than Bouillon beef concentrate (from a jar). When that came to a boil, we added 1.5 tsp soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ tsp black pepper,… Continue reading Korean dumpling soup (mandu guk)