Spring is one of my favorite seasons. Which is your favorite season and why?
I love Spring because it represents change, the great outdoors and time to make new recipes. Soups are wonderful all year round and known for their healing properties Often, a soup with crackers and cheese, is a sufficient lunch for both children and adults. Add beans or ground turkey for protein and you can eat it multiple times a week, at all different times of the day!
There are so many soup options for both vegetarians and meat eaters.
One of my favorite soups to make in the fall other than butternut squash, is a spicy bean soup. Its SOUPalicious!
Here is the recipe:
"Nice n Spice Soup"
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups of dried white beans- soaked overnight.
1 cup of black beans- also soaked overnight.
12 cups of water
1/3 cup of olive or coconut oil
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped.
2 large bell peppers, chopped.
1 small Jicama (found in most farmers markets such as the Ramsey Farmer's Market on Sundays from 9-2 at the Ramsey train station lot, or at Abma's Farm in Wyckoff)
2 medium tomatoes, chopped.
1 small bunch of Swiss chard, chopped coarsely.
1-2 tbs. chopped cilantro (adds a great spice)
4 cloves of garlic, minced. Try to only buy garlic that has the root attached. That is the main way you know it is fresh, real garlic, from the USA.
**Pinch of onion powder and chili powder to taste**
1) Rinse beans well. In large pot over high heat, please beans with 6 cups of water. Boil, reduce heat; simmer for an hour or until beans are tender
2) Add remaining ingredients (including water); simmer for an additional 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3) Puree in blender or with immersion blender
*Nice n spice recipe makes enough soup for two days.
**If you are not feeling energized enough to cook from scratch but you want soup with that homemade looks and taste, then look no further than 2 of my favorite local caterers/delis!
B&M Market/Catering, in nearby Park Ridge, NJ makes an amazing Beef Kreplach soup! It is both light and filling. The broth is smooth and flavorful but not overly salty and the kreplach balances the liquid with large, full-flavored meat filled kreplach. Of-course they have what seems like endless gourmet meals and catering options. Visit their website: https://bmfoodlovers.com/dinner-parties/ to order family size soups and dinners to go. Curbside pickup always available/take out only. Jonathan and his staff are top notch!
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant and Catering, in Glen Rock, NJ!
A local gem since 1976, Kosher Nosh makes you want to wait in line to get in! They serve tons of traditional kosher delicacies. The Chicken matzoh ball soup will make grandma jealous, and you will not leave hungry. You may even want to fast afterward! Under rabbinical supervision, Kosher Nosh also offers delicious to go platters which can service small and large families alike. Their catering department has an extensive menu and they are waiting to serve you- indoors and from home. Please visit: www.koshernosh.com
Eat well and get your "soup on!"
Elisa
