Winter Soup Edition

Warm Your Winter with Jewish Soups

Author

Andrew Hazen
January 22, 2025

Winter Soup Edition Newsletter Warm Your Winter with Jewish Soups

Dear Community Members,

As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, there's nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup to warm the body and soul. This month, we bring you the "Winter Soup Edition," highlighting four delicious Jewish-inspired soups that are perfect for the season. Each recipe is kosher and combines traditional flavors with a touch of modern flair. Let’s dive in!

1. Classic Chicken Matzo Ball Soup

The ultimate comfort soup, loved by generations.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 1 onion, quartered

  • 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped (optional)

  • Fresh dill for garnish

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup matzo meal

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup schmaltz or vegetable oil

  • 1/4 cup seltzer water

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and parsnip in a large pot. Cover with water, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Skim foam as needed.

  2. While the soup simmers, mix matzo meal, eggs, schmaltz, seltzer water, salt, and pepper to form a batter. Chill for 30 minutes.

  3. Form batter into small balls and drop into boiling water. Cook for 30 minutes.

  4. Strain soup, reserving the broth and vegetables. Add matzo balls to the broth and garnish with fresh dill before serving.

2. Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup

A hearty, spiced soup to brighten your winter evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried lentils

  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 6 cups vegetable stock

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric

  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

  2. Add spices and cook for 1 minute to release aromas.

  3. Stir in lentils, chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.

  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

3. Creamy Cauliflower and Tahini Soup

A modern twist with nutty, velvety flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 cups vegetable stock

  • 1/4 cup tahini

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • Olive oil for drizzling

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion and garlic until softened.

  2. Add cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes.

  3. Pour in vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes.

  4. Blend soup until smooth. Stir in tahini and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  5. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

4. Yemenite Beef Soup

A fragrant and hearty soup to keep you warm.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 8 cups beef stock

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp hawaij (Yemenite spice blend)

  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown beef cubes. Remove and set aside.

  2. Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot until softened. Add spices and cook for 1 minute.

  3. Return beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours until beef is tender.

  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enhancing your winter soup preparations can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some unique cooking tips and innovative gadgets to elevate your soup-making experience:

Lesser-Known Cooking Tips & Hacks🤫:

  1. Add a Splash of Acid: Brighten the flavors of your soup by adding a touch of acid like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine towards the end of cooking. This not only enhances the taste but also balances the overall flavor profile.

  2. Roast Vegetables Beforehand: Roasting vegetables like butternut squash, tomatoes, or carrots before adding them to your soup can deepen the flavor through caramelization, resulting in a more robust and heartier dish.

  3. Use Instant Mashed Potatoes as a Thickener: If your soup turns out thinner than desired, stir in some instant mashed potato flakes. They dissolve quickly and provide a creamy texture without altering the flavor significantly.

  4. Prepare Soup in Advance: Allowing your soup to rest overnight🛏️ can enhance its flavors, as the ingredients have more time to meld together, resulting in a richer taste the next day.😴

Latest Soup Gadgets on Amazon:🍳🔪

  1. All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Immersion Blender: This powerful immersion blender allows you to blend soups directly in the pot, reducing the need for additional containers and making cleanup easier. Learn more here

  2. Le Creuset Enamel On Steel Stockpot: A high-quality stockpot is essential for making large batches of soup. Le Creuset's enamel-coated steel stockpot ensures even heat distribution and durability. Learn more here

  3. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle: Serving your soup is made easier with a well-designed ladle. OXO's stainless steel ladle offers a comfortable grip and precise pouring. Learn more here

  4. Souper Cubes Silicone Freezer Molds: Perfect for storing leftover soup, these silicone molds allow you to freeze soup in individual portions, making reheating simple and convenient. Learn more here

  5. Regency Wraps Soup Socks: These handy bags let you add herbs and aromatics to your soup without leaving residue, making it easy to remove them after cooking and ensuring a smooth texture. Learn more here

Incorporating these tips and tools can significantly enhance your soup-making process, resulting in delicious and comforting meals throughout the winter season.

We hope these recipes bring warmth and joy to your table this winter. Share your soup creations with us by tagging @JewishRecipes on Instagram or using the hashtag #JewishWinterSoups.

Stay warm and happy cooking!

Shalom,
The JewishRecipes.com Team

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