What with the State-of-the-Union address, it’s a good time to cook up a batch of what is usually called Congressional Bean Soup. It’s full of beans and ham, which is probably where it gets its name, but I don’t think the President will mind if we rename it this time around.
State-of-the-Union Bean Soup
January 27th, 2010 — Bean, Pork
Pasta Fagioli Soup
January 24th, 2010 — Bean
Sometimes called pasta fazoul or pasta i fagioli, this pasta fagioli soup is the one I make when I really crave comfort food. This version of pasta fagioli soup contains meat, specifically ham.
Pumpkin Soup
January 18th, 2010 — Cream Soups
If you like the taste of pumpkin pie and would like a comfort soup that reminds you of the holidays, this is the recipe for you. Don’t use pumpkins that are sold to be carved. These are not really meant for cooking and they tend to be tougher than “pie pumpkins,” which are smaller and are usually a darker shade of orange than carving pumpkins. You can also use canned pumpkin, but avoid the pumpkin pie filling that is already spiced and sweetened.
Simple Black Bean Soup
January 18th, 2010 — Bean
A fine soup for a cold and rainy day, this black bean soup sticks to your ribs, thanks to the bits of ham and the butter. You can also spice it up with chili powder, or cayenne, if you prefer a hotter concoction. Also, for a vegetarian dish, leave out the ham hock, but add vegetable stock in place of at least half the water, to add flavor.
Barbecued Beef Soup Recipe
January 18th, 2010 — Beef
This sounds a little strange at first, but you remove the short rib bones part way through the cooking, after the soup broth has extracted all of the flavor. Use your favorite commercial barbecue sauce or create your own. The white beans are great to cook with, as they are mild and tend to take on the flavors of the spices and other ingredients you add. For a smokier flavor, add a dash of Liquid Smoke.
Baked Potato Soup Recipe Comfort Food
January 29th, 2008 — Cream Soups
The good and the bad in a baked potato (good=potato, chives/bad=butter, sour cream, bacon bits) likely balance each other out, unless you’re one of those folks who consider a baked potato a blank canvas on which to slather savory tidbits, like so many jimmies, nuts, and sauces on an ice cream sundae.