Making soup from scratch is easy to do but balancing the flavours isn’t as straightforward. However, a food expert says there’s just one formula Brits need for delicious winter soup
Whipping up a homemade soup is simpler than you might think – but getting those flavours spot-on can be a bit of a juggling act.
Nevertheless, Phil Bianchi, food and flavour expert and founder of The Gift of Oil, reckons he’s got the formula for the perfect winter warmer down to a tee. The cuisine connoisseur explained: “The key elements to a great soup recipe are dairy, vegetables and stock.”
He assures that with this combination in your arsenal, you’re all set for a delectable flavour-filled bowl. “As long as you have those three key ingredients, no matter the variation, you’ll be guaranteed a good soup full of flavour,” he said.
Phil praises the versatility of soup, encouraging foodies to play around with diverse combinations using everyday items from their pantry. He shares his own crowd-pleasing blend for chilly days, promising: “This recipe is perfect for a cold winter’s day and you’ll most likely have these ingredients already at home.”
Ingredients
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- One diced onion
- Two large carrots, chopped
- One garlic clove, crushed
- 650g frozen peas
- 225g potatoes, cubed
- Two pints of vegetable stock
- Crème Fraîche (any soft cheese or cream will work)
- For seasoning, salt and pepper
And to truly elevate the experience, Phil suggests throwing in a splash of infused olive oils like chilli-infused oil for an added zing. When it comes to making the base of this simple “leftovers” soup, you start off by heating up the oil in a big pan, reports the Express.
Toss in your selection of chopped veg – think onions, carrots, spuds, whatever you fancy – and give them a few minutes to go tender, along with some frozen peas. Afterward, pour in the vegetable broth and let it bubble away.
At this stage, the flavours should be blending together nicely, making it the perfect time to season with some salt and pepper. Allow it to simmer until the vegetables are soft and full of flavour.
Set it aside to cool for about 15 minutes, then blitz it with a hand blender until it’s smooth. Reheat the soup and serve it in a large soup bowl, finishing off by stirring in the crème fraîche for an added creamy touch.