Super Soups
To fully capture the flavor of the vegetables in your soups, do as little to them as possible. Rather, rely on the extraordinary flavor of the products at hand. You want the taste of the vegetable to come through. To do this, cook the vegetable lightly in its own juice by juicing enough of the vegetable to substitute for stock. You could also make a stock from the vegetable trimmings. You want to concentrate the flavors and use just enough herbs to enhance the vegetables. Following are a few tips to give you the best pot of soup you ever made!
Flavor the Soup
To help your vegetables reach their full flavor potential, saute or roast them before you add them to your soup pot. This will caramelize the naturally occurring sugars in the vegetables, giving them a much richer, deeper flavor. Over a medium-high burner, heat a skillet that's big enough to contain your chopped vegetables in a single layer (they will steam instead of caramelize if they're stacked on top of each other), pour in a small amount of oil, and add your vegetables. Stir or toss them often enough to keep them from burning, but be patient. Really good browning can take some time. Another way to add flavor to your vegetables is by pan-roasting them in a hot (450-degree) oven. Toss them very lightly in oil, place them on a sturdy baking sheet in a single layer, and do not cover them. Stir occasionally, and remove when golden-brown.
Variety in Your Soup
One of the greatest things about soup is its versatility. You could eat soup every day of the year and never have the same kind twice. Use your imagination, try using your favorite vegetables in different pairs, etc. Examples: American regional favorites like gumbo, chowder, cioppino, burgoo, frogmore stew, and good ol' chili. And that's just for starters!
Garnish for Your Soup
Not only does a little garnish make your soup look nice, but it will add a whole new and contrasting flavor, texture or temperature. Try a sprinkling of freshly minced herbs or finely grated flavorful cheese. To cool down a spicy soup or just add a touch of creaminess, stir lime juice, or a little grated ginger, or some finely chopped orange zest, or perhaps a dash of curry powder into some sour cream or plain yogurt. A spoonful of salsa, or a few chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, or cucumbers add a cool, fresh taste to your soup. Finally, add crunch with a topping of croutons, tortilla chips or crackers.
