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Your Guide to Soup

By Dylan Bailey, MS

As we enter into the fall and winter months, there’s nothing better than a simple, nourishing and family-friendly soup recipe that warms us up.

Soups have evolved since researchers think they were first made some 25,000 years ago. A common soup back then would have been a combination of water and a hunk of meat or some other ingredient, boiled to create a broth. But, access to ingredients and preparation methods have changed, making soup a luxurious dish in disguise. Because soups use simple cooking techniques, anyone can master them. Let’s explore the types of soups we can create today, one spoonful at a time!

Types of Soups to Know

Stocks and Broths

Stocks and broths are somewhat similar being that ingredients (like meat, fish, vegetables, herbs) are simmered in water. Bones can be included too, mainly in stocks, to add flavors and texture. Broths are cooked for shorter amounts of time than stocks and can be served on their own. Stocks are thick when chilled and can be used in sauces. Broths form the base for many types of soups, including those we’ll talk about below. Other ingredients are typically added and cooked directly in broths, like minestrone soup. Stocks can be concentrated and sold as Bouillon cubes, which need to be dissolved before using.

Puréed

Puréed soups use a stock or broth base and are accompanied by starchy vegetables or legumes, including carrots, potatoes or peas. The entire nutrient-dense mixture is then puréed, also known as blended, to form a smooth and creamy consistency.

Chowder

Think “New England Clam Chowder.” Chowders are cream or milk based hearty soups with large chunks of ingredients. Typically, chowders will feature some type of seafood, but variations can also be made with corn, potato or chicken. Perhaps you’ve also hear of “Manhattan Clam Chowder” – a tomato-based version? There’s some historic debate around if this dish is even “chowder” at all.

Bisque

Bisques are rich but smooth soups that usually feature shellfish, most famously, lobster. Cream can be added to help thicken the soup. Bisques without shellfish are commonly known as squash, pea or mushroom bisques.

Consommé

The consommé is a staple of French cooking. It starts with stock and involves a process known as clarifying. This technique clears the soup, using protein-based additions like egg white to attract fat and other particles in the soup. The soup is served alone or with a simple herb or vegetable garnish.

With the help of Libby’s®, you can put your soup knowledge into practice! We’ve provided three soup recipes below so you can try making them yourself using high-quality, nutrient-rich and premium ingredients the whole family will enjoy.

Puréed Example: Carrot Coconut Soup

Libby’s® Sliced Carrots and coconut milk are puréed in a vegetable broth base for this delicious soup. Carrots contain a high amount of fiber and vitamin A, making this a nutrient-dense meal perfect for any occasion. 

Carrot Coconut Soup

Bisque Example: Spicy Sweet Pea Bisque

Courtesy of registered dietitian Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD, LDN, this bisque features a vegetable base instead of the commonly used shellfish base. To thicken the bisque, buttermilk is added. The sweet peas used in this recipe contain high amounts of vitamin C and fiber, and are low in fat.

Spicy Sweet Pea Bisque

Chowder Example: Ham and Corn Chowder

Thick chunks of potatoes and carrots, along with a milk base, form the recipe for this chowder. Instead of seafood, ham and corn are the main ingredient additions. Because there are a few steps to getting this chowder just right, it’s a great opportunity to ask friends and family to cook with you. If you feel the soup is too thick, feel free to add in a bit more milk or stock.

Ham and Corn Chowder Soup

Brinner: Your Answer To The End Of Summer Dinners

By Dylan Bailey, MS

It’s news that many don’t want to hear – summer is on its way out. That’s right, fall will officially begin on Saturday, September 22nd. This switch in seasons marks significant changes in our day-to-day experiences, from the foods we prefer, to how our schedules look, to how the weather acts.

While the shift in seasons may be gradual, it can still require some lifestyle adjustments. At Libby’s®, we want to help you ease into a fall state-of-mind with a comforting and healthy approach to cooking for summer’s end: “Brinner,” better known as breakfast for dinner.

This fresh take on dinner using familiar breakfast foods has a few benefits:

  • It eases the time burden of meal planning, as many breakfast foods are already pantry staples and may be on-hand (e.g. eggs, cereal, canned vegetables, waffle and pancake mix etc.)
     
  • It offers a unique opportunity for the family to get together over foods that might normally be consumed on-the-go or without much meal structure in the morning 
     
  • It lets new versions of classic breakfast food recipes shine in an exciting way

In addition to being tasty, breakfast foods can be nutrient-dense. Let’s examine one staple breakfast item, the egg. One large egg packs 70 calories, varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, and 6 grams of high-quality protein (nearly half the protein and most nutrients of an egg is found in its yolk, so don’t toss it). Who wouldn’t want to end their day with that!

Vegetables, including canned vegetables, can also round out the nutritional profile of a meal to complement your end of summer brinner. Take command of the changing seasons with these comforting, quick and easy brinner ideas using Libby’s® Canned Vegetables as core ingredients for health-focused offerings that benefit the entire family.

Frit-ta-yum

Frittatas are Italian-style omelets that can be whipped up in no time with some very simple ingredients. They’re the perfect brinner solution for when the back-to-school period hits. This Frittata With Peas And Potatoes features eggs and is packed with fiber, vitamin C and potassium, making for a hassle-free, nutritious way to end your day.

Frittata with Peas and Potatoes

Mini Quiches – Big Flavor

What do you get when you combine eggs, cheese, corn and chives? A savory protein and flavor-loaded brinner specialty that is sure to please the whole family. For a simple version of quiche that’s been miniaturized, try these Mini Cheese Quiches With Corn & Chives. Better yet, these are portable so they can also be taken to any after-school event that’s on your radar.

Mini Cheese Quiches with Corn and Chives

 

Waffles For Dinner

You’ll really enjoy these Easy Carrot Cake Waffles With Whipped Cream Cheese Topping. Created by registered dietitian Serena Ball, these waffles are a nutritious spin on carrot cake, making use of whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt and Libby’s® Sliced Carrots, which provide 150% of your daily vitamin A requirements per serving. For more flavor, top with shredded coconut, walnuts, pineapple or shredded carrots!

Carrot Cake Waffles

Light & Bright Spring Soup Recipes

 

 

 

As the weather transitions to warmer, brighter days, this is the perfect time to explore a few of our favorite spring soup recipes to keep you warm during the early parts of spring. No need to put the soup pot away just yet, these spring soup recipes are light, refreshing, and will make the most out of the season’s produce.

And, the following recipes are easy to prepare during busy nights. Even better, whatever is left over, you can freeze until the next time the family craves a warm bowl of light comfort food.

Carrot Delight

carrot soup

Try this Carrot Coconut Soup with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots plus creamy coconut milk and fresh thyme creating a vibrant taste of spring in a bowl.

Spiced Bisque

Spicy Sweet Pea Bisque

This isn’t your normal green split pea soup. If you want a bit of heat and loads of flavor, this Spicy Sweet Pea Bisque is the perfect blend of the spice and creaminess. Loaded with Libby’s® Naturals Sweet Peas, buttermilk, chili powder and Greek yogurt, prepare for your taste buds to fall in love.

Easy as 1-2-3

Ham and Corn Chowder Soup

A vibrant array of colors takes over this delicious Ham and Corn Chowder Soup. Preparing this chowder is very quick and simple, and the best part is it’s all cooked in one pot. So grab your Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn Pouch, some onions, garlic, carrots, celery and enjoy!

Try the recipes above and for more ideas visit Libby’s® Recipe Box.

Gobble Up: Last Minute Dishes for the Big Day

Ready or not – Thanksgiving is here! You’ve been preparing for the holidays and getting everything in line, but sometimes things can slip through the cracks and you’re all of a sudden in a time crunch. Here at Libby’s®, we know the importance of getting back to the table and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner together. To help put your mind at ease, we have a few last minute dishes that will keep the whole family happy and full – and they won’t even realize these were last minute!

Stir Up Some Greens

Southern Style Green Beans

Green beans are a classic tradition to the Thanksgiving meal alongside the main course. Try these simple Southern Styled Green Beans made with Libby’s® Cut Green Beans. Simply add onion, potatoes, pancetta, and spices for an easy and tasty side dish. 

Sweeten Your Day

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Brown sugar is a staple ingredient for several holiday dishes – so it’s a must that you have one at the table this Thanksgiving. If you’re in a rush, try this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe made with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots and just four other ingredients. This delicious recipe only takes five minutes and is easily a crowd favorite.    

Bring Something New to the Table

Easy Pickled Beets

While having the traditional meal is yummy for everyone, why not bring something new to the family gathering? A simple side dish or snack while watching football on the couch are these Easy Pickled Beets, perfect for pairing with a cheese plate and crackers.

Don’t Forget Dietary Restrictions

Vegan Creamed Corn

You may have some family members with dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan. Bring this easy-to-make Vegan Creamed Corn made with Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn and vegan ingredients. They will appreciate you remembering their special dietary needs! 

Pack Up Your Basket for National Picnic Month

By Samantha Bailey, Registered Dietitian

July is mostly know for fireworks, memorable days spent at the beach, and warm summer nights. But did you know it’s also National Picnic Month? That’s right! So let’s pack up that wicker basket, break out the checkered red blanket, and have a tasty meal with loved ones, all while enjoying a beautiful summer day.

Lighten It Up

Creamy Potato Carrot Mash

Your basket doesn’t have to be filled with only traditional picnic foods, such as potato salad and baked beans to name a couple. Try changing it up with a lighter dish, like this Creamy Potato Carrot Mash – a healthier twist on the classic mashed potatoes that will help you get closer to reaching the recommended 4-5 cups of vegetables a day.  

Picnic with Peas

Pea, Ricotta and Bacon Salad

Move over pasta salad, there’s a new dish in town. Whip up this Pea, Ricotta and Bacon Salad made with Libby’s® Sweet Peas at your next picnic for a burst of flavor. The salad has three of the five key food groups: protein, vegetables, and dairy, offering a filling and nutritious meal to add to your relaxing day.

Finish off with a Pop

Sweet Corn Frozen Pops

No picnic is complete without dessert. After enjoying the warm sun, cool off with these Sweet Corn Frozen Pops. They’re made with Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn Cups and Greek yogurt to top off your fun-filled day with nutritious vegetables and protein.

Surviving Winter: Warm Recipes to Get Cozy With

Baby, it’s cold outside – and we’re not just talking about the classic Christmas jingle! It’s that time of year again when even the heaviest layers of your warmest clothing can’t protect you from the bone-chilling winds. We all know that nothing makes a cold winter night more tolerable than digging into a warm, hearty meal to satisfy you to the very tips of your toes – preferably by the fireplace! If you’re in search for warm and comforting fare for the whole family, you’re in luck with these recipes that will make you happy to stay inside and away from what may seem like the arctic tundra.

Getting Hot, Hot, Hot!

Hot-Off-The-Griddle Corn Cakes

Before you leave the house, start your day warmly with these Hot-Off-The-Griddle Corn Cakes, made with Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn. This filling and flavorful breakfast item will have your belly thanking you – especially when paired with a warm cup of fresh brewed coffee or tea. 

Chilly Evenings Filled with Chili

Quick Chicken Chili

With the temperature outside dropping – your motivation to cook for more than 30 minutes most likely is too. Why spend your whole night in the kitchen when you can whip up this Quick Chicken Chili in 20 minutes, giving you and the family ample time to get cozy and spend time together after dinner!

Dust off the Slow Cooker

Herbed Chicken and Veggies (Slow Cooker)

This Herbed Chicken and Veggies (Slow Cooker) recipe brings heat to a whole new meaning – and not just temperature wise! Combined with chicken seasoned to perfection and succulent, nutritious Libby’s® vegetables, this recipe will be sure to warm up everyone’s heart and soul. Just throw the ingredients into your slow-cooker, let it go to work, and come home and enjoy. Bonus points if it’s eaten on the couch while covered in blankets.