SOUP RECIPES

Potato and Cheddar Soup

Of course! A creamy, rich potato and cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food. The key to a truly great one is getting the texture perfectly smooth and velvety, with a robust cheese flavor that isn't greasy or grainy.

This recipe includes a few simple techniques to guarantee a perfect result every time.

Creamy Potato and Cheddar Soup

This soup is rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. It's like a loaded baked potato in a bowl. The secret is in creating a stable base and adding the cheese correctly.

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients

4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium recommended
2 lbs potatoes, about 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (a mix of Russet and Yukon Gold is ideal)
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg (optional, but enhances the creamy flavor)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (see tips)
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk, warmed slightly
1 tbsp Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce (optional, for a flavor boost)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or , melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and will thicken the soup.

Build the Soup Base: While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Whisk until the flour mixture is fully dissolved and there are no lumps.

Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes, 1 tsp of salt, ½ tsp of pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.

Create the Creamy Base (The Secret Step): Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to roughly mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will release their starches and naturally thicken the soup, giving it a rustic, hearty texture. For an even smoother soup, you can use an to briefly pulse the soup 3-4 times.

Temper and Add the Cheese: Crucial Step: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. The soup should be hot, but not simmering or boiling. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring until each handful is completely melted before adding the next. Stirring constantly and keeping the heat low prevents the cheese from becoming oily or grainy.

Finish the Soup: Once all the cheese is melted, stir in the warmed heavy cream (or milk) and the optional Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Final Seasoning: Taste the soup carefully. Since cheddar cheese and broth can be salty, you may not need much more salt. Add more salt and pepper as needed until it tastes perfect to you.

Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

Shred Your Own Cheese! This is the most important tip. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in and that prevent them from melting smoothly, often resulting in a gritty texture. Buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself.

Don't Boil the Cheese: Adding cheese to a boiling liquid will cause the fat to separate and the proteins to tighten up. Always reduce the heat to low before adding cheese.

The Potato Trick: Using a mix of starchy Russet potatoes (for thickening) and waxy Yukon Golds (for texture and buttery flavor) gives you the best of both worlds.

Warm the Cream: Adding cold cream or milk to a hot soup can cause it to curdle. Warming it slightly first helps it incorporate seamlessly.

Variations & "Loaded" Toppings

This soup is a fantastic base for customization. Serve it plain or turn it into a fully loaded baked potato soup.

To Make "Loaded" Potato Soup, Add:

Crispy Bacon: Cook 6-8 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble, and stir into the soup or use as a topping.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top adds a cool, tangy contrast.

Fresh Chives or Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, sharp bite.

Extra Shredded Cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea.

Other Variations:

Add Broccoli: Add 1-2 cups of small broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of simmering the potatoes.

Add Cauliflower: Substitute half of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter version.

Spicy It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños with the onions, or use .

Add Beer: For a "pub-style" soup, replace 1 cup of the broth with a light-colored beer (like a ) and add it after cooking the flour.

Enjoy this wonderfully rich and comforting bowl of goodness

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Here is a recipe for a classic, velvety, and deeply flavorful Cream of Pumpkin Soup. This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor for a soup that is far better than anything from a can.

Classic & Creamy Pumpkin Soup

This soup is the essence of autumn in a bowl. It's surprisingly simple to make, relying on the slow-sautéed aromatics and a careful balance of spices to create a rich, comforting, and elegant dish.

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce / 425g) can 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
4 cups (32 oz / 950ml) vegetable or chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
1 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried sage)
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
1 tbsp pure maple syrup or brown sugar (optional, to balance flavor)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice (optional, to brighten flavor)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
A swirl of sour cream, crème fraîche, or plain yogurt
Extra fresh sage leaves
A drizzle of good olive oil or chili oil

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or , melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. You want to cook it slowly to draw out its sweetness, not brown it.

Bloom the Spices: Add the minced garlic, chopped sage, nutmeg, and optional cinnamon. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step "blooms" the spices, deepening their flavor.

Combine and Simmer: Add the pumpkin puree to the pot and stir to combine with the aromatics. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the pumpkin slightly. Then, gradually pour in the broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Gentle Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Blend the Soup: This is the key to a creamy texture. You have two options:

Immersion Blender: The easiest method. Simply insert the blender directly into the pot and blend until the soup is completely smooth and velvety.

: Let the soup cool for a few minutes. Carefully ladle the soup into a blender in batches, never filling the blender more than halfway. Remove the small cap from the blender lid and cover the opening with a folded kitchen towel (this allows steam to escape and prevents explosions). Blend each batch until perfectly smooth.

Finish with Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot (if you used a standard blender). Place the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, the optional maple syrup, and the apple cider vinegar. Heat gently until the soup is warmed through, but do not let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper until the flavors pop. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add your favorite garnishes.

Tips for Success & Variations

Pumpkin Puree is Key: Be absolutely sure you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.

For Extra Creaminess (Dairy-Free): Add one peeled, chopped along with the onions in step 1. It will break down during simmering and make the soup incredibly creamy. You can also use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Flavor Boost: Add one peeled, chopped apple or pear (like a or ) along with the onions for a lovely, subtle sweetness.

A Little Kick: Add a pinch of or along with the other spices for a gentle warmth that contrasts the sweetness.

Make it Vegan: Use olive oil or instead of butter, , and instead of heavy cream.

Storage: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade soup

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Cream of Onion Soup

Here is a recipe for a truly luxurious and comforting Cream of Onion Soup. This is not the brothy, cheese-topped , but rather a smooth, velvety, and deeply savory purée that makes for an elegant starter or a satisfying light meal.

Rich & Velvety Cream of Onion Soup

The secret to this soup's incredible depth of flavor is taking the time to slowly caramelize the onions. This process transforms their sharp bite into a sweet, jammy richness that forms the heart of the soup.

Yields: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients

3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 lbs (about 1 kg) yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional, to help with caramelization)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or dry sherry
4 cups (32 oz / 950ml) chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended)

For Garnish (Optional):

or store-bought

Crispy fried onions
Freshly snipped chives
A drizzle of good olive oil or truffle oil
A sprinkle of grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or , melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, the 1 tsp of salt, and the optional sugar. Stir to coat the onions evenly.

Cook, stirring every 5-10 minutes, for 30-40 minutes until the onions are very soft, deep golden brown, and sweet. Be patient—this is the most important step for building flavor. If they start to stick or burn, reduce the heat and add a splash of water.

Bloom the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the pot with the caramelized onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture.

Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste out. This will form a thick paste (a roux) that will thicken the soup.

Deglaze the Pot: Slowly pour in the white wine or sherry, whisking continuously to scrape up any browned bits (the "fond") from the bottom of the pot. Let it bubble and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly.

Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking as you go to ensure a smooth, lump-free soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld.

Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes.

: Insert the blender directly into the pot and blend until the soup is completely smooth and velvety.

Standard Blender: Carefully ladle the soup into a blender in batches, never filling the blender more than halfway. Remove the small cap from the lid and cover the opening with a folded kitchen towel to allow steam to escape. Blend until perfectly smooth.

Finish with Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a standard blender). Place the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, the pinch of nutmeg, and the black pepper. Heat gently until the soup is warmed through, but do not let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings.

Tips for Success & Variations

The Right Onions: Yellow onions are the best choice here as they become beautifully sweet when cooked. Sweet onions (like Vidalia) also work well.

For Extra Body: For an even thicker and creamier soup (without more cream), peel and dice one and add it to the pot along with the onions in step 1. It will break down and blend into the soup, adding natural creaminess.

Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and a can of full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. For the roux, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or omit the flour and thicken the soup at the end with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water).

A Touch of Smokiness: Add a pinch of along with the garlic for a subtle, smoky depth.

Make-Ahead: This soup is a fantastic make-ahead dish. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop. Reheat gently on the stovetop. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Enjoy this wonderfully comforting and elegant soup

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Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is the legendary , a dish that is both humble and spectacular. Its soul is a rich, , built from the very fish and shellfish that are served within it.

This recipe is designed to be approachable for the home cook while staying true to the spirit of this . It's a perfect dish for a special occasion or a leisurely weekend meal.

Authentic Provençal Bouillabaisse

The magic of bouillabaisse lies in the quality of the seafood and the depth of the broth. The key is using a variety of fish and shellfish, including some less expensive, bony fish to create a rich (broth).

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A Note on the Fish

Traditionally, bouillabaisse uses rockfish, sea robin, and other local Mediterranean fish. For a more accessible version, use a mix of the following:

For the Broth (Flavor Base): Ask your for (from , , or are excellent). This is non-negotiable for a deep flavor.

For the Stew (to be eaten):

Firm, Meaty Fish: 1 lb , halibut, or sea bass, cut into 2-inch chunks.

Flaky Fish: 1 lb , , or snapper, cut into 2-inch chunks.

Shellfish: 1 lb mussels and/or littleneck clams, scrubbed well.

Optional: ½ lb large shrimp or langoustines, peeled and deveined (save the shells for the broth!).

Ingredients

For the Broth:

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced and well-rinsed
1 large fennel bulb, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 (28-ounce / 794g) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
1 cup dry white wine (like a Sauvignon Blanc or Provence rosé)
6 cups fish stock or clam juice (or a combination)
1 large strip of orange zest
1 bay leaf
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 generous pinch of saffron threads (about ½ tsp)
1 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Fish heads and bones (about 1 lb)

For the Rouille (Garlic-Saffron Mayonnaise):

1 small potato (about 6 oz), peeled and cubed
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
A pinch of the saffron threads (soaked in 1 tsp of warm water)
Pinch of cayenne pepper
½ cup neutral oil (like grapeseed or sunflower)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and lemon juice to taste

For Serving:

1 baguette, sliced and grilled or toasted into croutons

Instructions

Part 1: Make the Broth

Sauté the Aromatics: In a very large pot or , heat the ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks, fennel, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and translucent, about 10-12 minutes. Do not let them brown.

Add Flavor: Add the sliced garlic, fennel seeds, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Build the Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes, fish stock, orange zest, salt, pepper, and the saffron threads. Stir everything together.

Add the Fish Bones: Add the fish heads and bones (and shrimp shells, if using) to the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and let it cook for at least 30-40 minutes. The broth will become incredibly fragrant and richly flavored.

Strain the Broth: This is a crucial step for a refined soup. Set a large bowl in the sink and place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over it. Carefully ladle the broth through the sieve. Discard the solids. You should be left with a beautiful, clear, golden-orange broth.

Part 2: Make the Rouille

While the broth is simmering, boil the potato and garlic cloves in a small pot of salted water until the potato is very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.

In a food processor, combine the cooked potato and garlic. Pulse until smooth.

Add the egg yolk, the saffron (with its soaking water), and a pinch of cayenne. With the processor running, very slowly drizzle in the neutral oil, followed by the olive oil, until the mixture is thick and emulsified, like mayonnaise.

Season the rouille with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Set aside.

Part 3: Cook the Seafood and Assemble

Cook the Shellfish: Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it to a steady simmer over medium heat. Add the mussels and/or clams. Cover the pot and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the shells have opened. Discard any that remain closed.

Cook the Fish: Gently add the chunks of firm fish (monkfish/halibut) to the simmering broth. Cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the flakier fish (cod/snapper) and the shrimp (if using). Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until all the fish is just cooked through and opaque. Be careful not to overcook it.

Serve Immediately: Arrange the fish and shellfish in large, warm soup bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the seafood.

Garnish: Spread a generous dollop of the rouille onto a crouton or a slice of grilled baguette. Float the rouille-topped crouton on top of the soup. Serve with extra croutons on the side.

Enjoy your magnificent, homemade bouillabaisse

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Easy Bean Soup Recipe

Recipe

A simple yet satisfying soup packed with beans, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal. High in protein, fiber, and flavor, this soup is both budget-friendly and nourishing.

Why This Recipe is High-Value

Affordable & filling: Beans provide plant-based protein and fiber
Simple ingredients: Minimal prep, pantry-friendly staples
Flexible: Works with canned or dried beans
Freezer-friendly: Makes a large batch for meal prep

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Soup Base

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups (1 L) vegetable or chicken broth
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) beans (cannellini, navy, kidney, or black beans), drained and rinsed

Seasoning

1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

1 zucchini, diced
1 cup chopped kale or spinach
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Finishing Touch

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Liquid & Beans
Pour in broth and add beans, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil.
Simmer
Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Add Optional Vegetables
Stir in zucchini, kale, or tomatoes in the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.
Season & Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley and optional lemon juice or olive oil. Serve hot.

Chef Tips

Richer flavor: Sauté vegetables until golden before adding broth
Texture variation: Mash a few beans against the side of the pot for a creamier consistency
Make it heartier: Add small pasta, barley, or quinoa

Storage

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: 2–3 months (best to freeze without leafy greens; add fresh when reheating)

Variations

Southwestern Style: Add corn, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro
Mediterranean Style: Add tomatoes, spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil at the end
Smoky Bean Soup: Add a smoked ham hock or smoked paprika for depth

OTHER RECIPES

Ingredients -

1 (16 ounces) package Dry Navy Beans {2 1/3 cups}
6 cups Water
8 cups Water
1 1/2 pounds Ham Shank
1 cup chopped Onions
1/4 cup chopped Fresh Parsley
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Basil Leaves
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon Oregano Leaves
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Bay Leaf
2 cups thinly sliced Carrots
1 cup chopped Celery
1/2 cup Dry Instant Mashed Potato Flakes

INSTRUCTIONS:

Wash and sort beans.

In 5-quart , combine beans and 6 cups water.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Cover and let stand 1 hour; drain.

Add 8 cups water, ham shank, onions, parsley, salt, basil, nutmeg, oregano, garlic, and bay leaf.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat.

Cover; simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.

Remove from heat.

Remove meat from bone; cut into bite-size pieces.

Return meat to soup.

Stir in carrots, celery, and potato flakes until blended.

Return to heat. Cover; simmer an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until carrots and celery are crisp-tender. Remove bay leaf.

The soup recipe of bean is ready to serve...nice ! Enjoy it for appetizers.....!
baked-potato-soup.

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Chicken and Vegetable Bean Soup

Chicken and Vegetable Bean Soup Recipe

A comforting, protein-packed soup loaded with vegetables, tender chicken, and beans. This is a complete meal in a bowl, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Why This Recipe is High-Value

Complete nutrition: Protein (chicken & beans), fiber (beans & vegetables), antioxidants (veggies)
Budget-friendly: Beans stretch the protein and keep costs down
Flexible: Uses fresh, frozen, or leftover chicken
Make-ahead friendly: Freezes and reheats well without losing flavor

Ingredients (Serves 6)

Soup Base

1½ lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
8 cups (2 L) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables

1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, diced

Beans & Seasoning

1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Finishing Touch

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Chicken (Optional for Extra Flavor)
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Brown chicken on both sides (3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, lower heat to medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans; cook 2–3 minutes more.
Add Herbs and Stock
Add thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth and return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 20–25 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Return chicken to the soup.
Add Beans and Final Seasoning
Stir in drained beans and cook 5 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add parsley and optional lemon juice before serving.

Chef Tips

Richer flavor: Use bone-in chicken and homemade stock
Extra texture: Add barley or small pasta for variation
Meal prep: Store in airtight containers; beans may thicken the soup over time—add a splash of broth when reheating

Variations

Southwestern style: Add corn, chili powder, and smoked paprika
Mediterranean style: Add tomatoes, spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil at the end
Low-carb: Skip starchy vegetables like carrots and use more leafy greens

Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months (best to freeze without zucchini or celery to preserve texture; add fresh when reheating)

OTHER RECIPES

Ingredients :

1 cup Dry Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
6 cups Water
1 cup chopped Onion
1 medium Fennel Bulb, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 medium Carrots, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons snipped Fresh Parsley
1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
4-1/2 cups Chicken Broth
2-1/2 cups shredded or chopped Cooked Chicken
1 (14-1/2-ounces) can diced Tomatoes, undrained

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, combine 6 cups water and dry great northern beans.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer 10 minutes, uncovered.
4. Remove from heat, cover stockpot, and let stand for 1 hour.
5. Drain and rinse beans.
6. In crockpot, add onion, fennel, carrots, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and pepper.
7. Add beans on top of vegetables.
8. Pour chicken broth over beans.
9. Cover crockpot.
10. Cook on low setting 8-10 hours.
11. Stir in chicken and tomatoes.
12. Increase to high heat. Cook 30 minutes longer.
The soup recipe is ready to serve....enjoy the soup !
easy-bean-soup-recipe.

VIDEO:

Spanish Chicken and Rice Soup

A hearty, comforting soup with classic Spanish flavors—garlic, paprika, tomatoes, and herbs—perfect as a nourishing one-pot meal.

Why This Recipe Is High-Value

Balanced & filling: Protein (chicken), carbs (rice), and vegetables in one bowl
Deep flavor, simple steps: Builds taste with a sofrito base
Flexible: Works with fresh chicken or leftovers
Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Soup Base

1½ lb (700 g) bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
8 cups (2 L) chicken stock (preferably low sodium)
2 tbsp olive oil

Sofrito

1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika (pimentón)
½ tsp sweet paprika
¼ tsp ground cumin
1 bay leaf

Body & Finish

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or grated fresh tomato)
¾ cup short-grain rice (Valencia or Arborio)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or pinch of saffron threads

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Build the Sofrito
In the same pot, lower heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook 6–8 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cumin, and bay leaf; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Tomatoes & Stock
Add crushed tomatoes and cook 3–4 minutes to deepen flavor. Return chicken to the pot and pour in chicken stock.
Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 25 minutes, until chicken is tender.
Shred & Add Rice
Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones/skin. Return meat to pot. Add rice and simmer uncovered 15–18 minutes, until rice is tender.
Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add parsley and optional lemon juice or saffron. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot.

Chef Tips

Richer flavor: Use bone-in chicken and homemade stock
Not mushy rice: Add rice near the end and avoid overcooking
Extra depth: A pinch of saffron or smoked chili flakes elevates the soup

Variations

Andalusian-style: Add a pinch of oregano and a splash of sherry vinegar
Vegetable-forward: Add peas or green beans in the last 5 minutes
Spicy: Stir in a little harissa or cayenne

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 3–4 days (rice will thicken the soup)
Freezer: Freeze without rice for best texture; add fresh rice when reheating

OTHER RECIPES

Ingredients -

2 (19 ounces) cans Chicken and Vegetable Soup
1 (14.5 ounces) can Diced Tomatoes with Jalapeno Chiles, undrained
1 (8.8 ounces) pouch Uncooked Spanish-Style Rice Mix
1 cup Frozen Corn, thawed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add soups, diced tomatoes, uncooked Spanish rice, and corn to saucepan.
2. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 5 minutes.

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