Soup Recipes

Chicken Wild Rice Soup



2 quarts chicken broth
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 cup dry white wine or additional chicken broth
3 cups cooked wild rice
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

In a large saucepan, combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. In Dutch oven, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in broth mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in soup and wine. Add rice and chicken; heat through. Makes 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

Hamburger Soup




1 pound ground beef
4 cups water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
4 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup cut fresh or frozen green beans

In a large saucepan, brown beef; drain. Add the next 10 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender. Add green beans. Cover and simmer 15 minutes longer or until the beans are tender. Makes 8 servings (2 quarts).

Black Bean Soup




1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup chunky salsa
1/2 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained
Dash hot pepper sauce
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes or until heated through. Pour into four serving bowls; drizzle each with lime juice. Sprinkle with cheese and green onions. Makes 4 servings.

Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder




1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup hot water
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, undrained
1/4 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 medium tomato, chopped
Minced fresh cilantro, optional

In a Dutch oven, brown chicken and onion in butter until chicken is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the water, bouillon and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the cream, cheese, corn, chilies and hot pepper sauce. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted; add tomato. Sprinkle with cilantro if desired. Makes 6-8 servings (2 quarts).

Split Pea Soup




1 package (16 ounces) dried split peas
8 cups water
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 large onions, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 cups cubed cooked corned beef or ham
1/2 cup chopped celery
5 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 to 1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

In a Dutch oven, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until peas and vegetables are tender. Makes 12 servings (3 quarts).

Spiral Chicken Noodle Soup




1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
4 celery ribs, sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each ) reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
6 ounces uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

In a large saucepan, saute the chicken, onion, celery, carrots and garlic in butter and oil for 5 minutes. Stir in the basil, oregano and pepper until blended. Set aside 1 cup broth. Gradually add remaining broth to the pan. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes.

Return to a boil; stir in the pasta. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-13 minutes or until pasta is almost tender. Combine flour and reserved broth until smooth. Stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Makes 6 servings (about 2 quarts).

Spicy Potato Soup




1 pound ground beef
4 cups cubed peeled potatoes (1/2-in. cubes)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
4 cups water
Salt, to taste
1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the potatoes, onion and tomato sauce. Stir in the water, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened. Makes 8 servings (2 quarts).

Navy Bean Soup




2 cups dried great northern beans
5 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
2 to 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon dried savory
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil

Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let soak for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return beans to pan; add broth, 3 cups water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onions, carrots and celery in oil until tender; add to soup. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes longer or until beans are tender. Remove ham bone; cool slightly. Remove meat from bone and cut into chunks; return to soup. Discard bone. Skim fat from soup. Makes 8 servings (2-3/4 quarts).

Italian Wedding Soup




2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 pound ground beef
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery ribs, diced
1 large onion, chopped
4-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) beef broth
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1 envelope onion soup mix
4-1/2 teaspoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 bay leaves
1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta

In a large bowl, combine eggs and bread crumbs. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture and mix well. Shape into 3/4-in. balls. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a foil-lined 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute the carrots, celery and onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, spinach, basil, soup mix, ketchup, thyme and bay leaves.

Drain meatballs on paper towels. Bring soup to a boil; add meatballs. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add pasta; cook 13-15 minutes longer or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaves. Makes 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Pepper Soup




1-1/2 pounds ground beef
3 large green peppers, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) beef broth
1 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups cooked rice

In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook the beef, green peppers and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the broth, soup, tomatoes and mushrooms. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add rice and heat through. Makes 8 servings.

Cheddar Dumplings Beef Stew




1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 3 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil
5 cups water
5 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon browning sauce, optional
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
4 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) cut green beans, drained

Dumplings:
2 cups biscuit/baking mix
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup milk

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil in batches. Stir in the water, bouillon, browning sauce if desired, onion salt and garlic salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add carrots and onion. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Stir in green beans.

For dumplings, combine biscuit mix and cheese. Stir in enough milk to form a soft dough. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto simmering stew. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes (do not lift cover) or until a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean. Serve immediately. Makes 6-8 servings.

Green Chili Pork Stew




1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (2-1/2 to 3 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups water
1 can (28 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1 to 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
2 cups cubed peeled potatoes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons fennel seed
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

In a Dutch oven, brown pork in oil over medium heat on all sides. Add onion and garlic; saute for 3-5 minutes. Drain. Add the water, tomatoes, chilies, potatoes and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add beans; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Makes 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Oven Baked Stew




6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1-1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups beef broth
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, cut up
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 4 tablespoons flour, salt if desired and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown beef in oil in batches. Remove and set aside. Add onion to the pan and cook until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in remaining flour and pepper until blended. Gradually stir in broth. Add the beef, tomatoes and thyme. Cover and bake at 350° for 1-1/4 hours. Add the potatoes and carrots. Cover and bake 1 hour longer or until meat and vegetables are tender. Stir in peas; cover and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Irish Stew




1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
1-1/2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 medium onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons water

Place 1/3 cup flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add lamb, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a Dutch oven, brown lamb in batches in 2 tablespoons oil. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, saute onions in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add broth, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan.

Return lamb to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until meat is tender. Add potatoes and carrots; cover and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in peas; cook 5-10 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Add seasonings and Worcestershire sauce. Combine remaining flour with water until smooth; stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Makes 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Fiesta Chicken Chowder




3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 envelope fajita seasoning, divided
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups water
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Mexican stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (11 ounces) Mexicorn, drained
1 cup uncooked instant brown rice
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 can (11 ounces) condensed nacho cheese soup, undiluted
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour and 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning; add chicken. Seal bag and shake to coat. In a large saucepan, saute chicken in oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. In the same pan, saute onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the water, beans, tomatoes, corn, rice, chilies and remaining fajita seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in the soup, cilantro, lime juice and chicken; heat through. Makes 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Creamy Cauliflower Soup




2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium carrots, grated
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup plus 6 tablespoons butter, divided
1 medium head cauliflower, chopped
5 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sour cream
Fresh tarragon, optional

In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, saute the onions, carrots, celery and garlic in 1/4 cup butter until tender. Add cauliflower, broth, parsley, salt and pepper, basil and tarragon. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the remaining butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the milk and whipping cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add to cauliflower mixture. Cook for 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream. Garnish with tarragon if desired. Makes 8 servings (about 2 quarts).

Tuscan Turkey Soup




2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (15 ounces) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth, pumpkin, beans, turkey, salt, basil and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. If desired, serve with cheese. Makes 8 servings (2 quarts).

Asparagus Leek Chowder




1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 large leeks (white portion only), sliced
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 tablespoon chopped pimientos

In a large saucepan, saute the asparagus, mushrooms and leeks in butter for 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually stir in broth and cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in corn and pimientos; heat through. Makes 6 servings.