What’s better than nestling yourself in a blanket near the fireplace with a bowl of soup? This winter may be chilly but we are here to give you some soup recipes that are not only yummy but will take the chill off.
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Recipe by – The Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
- 2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 6), fat trimmed
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 large celery stalks, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2 large carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh sage
- 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 c. white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 c. uncooked wild rice (not quick-cooking)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp. salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 bunch kale, leaves torn into bite-size pieces (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot and set to sauté. Working in batches, add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned, 21⁄2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Add the celery, carrots, garlic, onion, rosemary, sage and thyme to the pot and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and stir, scraping up the bottom of the pot. Cook until the wine is reduced by at least half, about 2 minutes. Add the broth, rice and 1⁄2 cup water and stir. Add the chicken and any juices from the plate; add the bay leaf.
- Put on and lock the lid, making sure the steam valve is in the sealing position. Set to pressure-cook on high for 25 minutes. After the time is up, carefully turn the valve to the venting position and let the steam release. Unlock and remove the lid, being careful of any remaining steam.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks in a bowl.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mash together the butter and flour with a fork to make a paste.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add the butter mixture, stirring to thicken. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add the kale and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and bring to a simmer, then press cancel. Just before serving, remove the bay leaf, add the lemon juice and stir. Season with salt and pepper.
Vegetarian Chili
Recipe by – Cookie + Kate
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder*
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika*
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large can (28 ounces) or 2 small cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes**, with their juices
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar or lime juice, to taste
- Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream or crème fraîche, grated cheddar cheese, etc.
Directions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Stir to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the drained black beans and pinto beans, vegetable broth and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the chili from the heat and discard the bay leaf. For the best texture and flavor, transfer 1 ½ cups of the chili to a blender, making sure to get some of the liquid portion. Securely fasten the lid and blend until smooth (watch out for hot steam), then pour the blended mixture back into the pot. (Or, you can blend the chili briefly with an immersion blender, or mash the chili with a potato masher until it reaches a thicker, more chili-like consistency.)
- Add the chopped cilantro, stir to combine, and then mix in the vinegar, to taste. Add salt to taste, too—I added ¼ teaspoon more at this point. Divide the mixture into individual bowls and serve with garnishes of your choice. This chili will keep well in the refrigerator for about 4 days or you can freeze it for longer-term storage.
Are you excited to try these mouthwatering soup options?