Explore Cook Eat

Soups

How To Make Korean Soft Tofu Stew!

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. Here is a post about How To Make Korean Soft Tofu Stew!

Korean Soft Tofu Stew in a clay pot with an egg yolk and green onions as garnish

Korean Soft Tofu Stew aka Sundubu Jigae

Jigae is a Korean stew. Sundubu refers to an extra soft tofu. Therefore Sundubu Jigae is a soft tofu stew. Which is absolutely delicious by the way!

In addition to the tofu this stew usually includes some vegetables, gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), and gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder). You can also include some seafood or a bit of meat (usually beef or pork).

It is traditionally cooked directly in the serving vessel, called a dolsot. The dolsot is usually porcelain or ceramic, or made out of stone. It's so lovely to dine on this dish from the dolsot, which keeps your food piping hot!

...

Read More

How To Make INCREDIBLE Prawn Sinigang!

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. Here is a post about the amazingly delicious Filipino dish called Sinigang!

prawn sinigang in a white bowl

What is Sinigang?

Sinigang...where have you been all my life? This AMAZING soup or stew is one of the most popular dishes in Filipino cuisine! It is characterized by being sour, tangy, and intensely savory. This sour taste is usually due to tamarind, although guava is commonly used as a souring agent as well.

Sinigang means "stewed" and the dish consists of vegetables and meat (i.e.pork, beef) or seafood (fish or shrimp). Common vegetables used in this Filipino dish include sitaw (long beans), tomatoes, onions, water spinach (kang kong), okra, daikon radish, long green peppers. The perfect condiment for this soup is fish sauce!

...

Read More

How To Cook A Stewing Hen!

by 12 Comments

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post explains how to cook a Stewing Hen!

B&B Poultry Stewing Hen
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Is a Stewing Hen?

The first time I saw a stewing hen was in the frozen section of my local Asian market. I was intrigued because I had never seen one before.

A stewing hen is a hen that is unable to produce eggs much anymore, or an egg layer that has been retired. Due to this, farmers normally have to cull them to make way for new egg layers. Using a stewing hen in cooking is a way to honor the entire life cycle of the bird, which I absolutely love.

...

Read More

Leek Stew Recipe For Welsh Cawl Cennin (Leek Broth)

by 2 Comments

This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a leek stew recipe for the Welsh classic stew called Cawl Cennin!

A terracotta soup bowl full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes garnished with Italian parsley with a spoon resting in the soup.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

1,000 Foods To Eat Project

I am working my way through the foods that are listed in the book 1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die by Mimi Sheraton. This is called my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project.

...

Read More

How To Make Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about the Scottish classic soup called Cock-a-Leekie!

Cock-a-leekie soup with prunes

1,000 Foods To Eat Project

I am working my way through the foods that are listed in the book 1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die by Mimi Sheraton. This is called my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project.

1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die Front Jacket

In this book, the author Mimi Sheraton lists her choice for the 1,000 Foods of the World that you MUST try.

Cock-a-Leekie soup, along with Welsh Cawl Cennin, is #40 in my project! This delicious soup originated from Scotland, and consists mainly of chicken (cock), and leeks (leekie). It is actually known as Scotland's National Soup! And...it's super delicious!

...

Read More

Easy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder

by 2 Comments

Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder and Sliced Bread

I was given 2 hams for Thanksgiving. These were not used at our feast at my sister's house (she hosted yay!), so here I am with a huge amount of ham and what to do with it? Make Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder of course!

The chowder also includes onion and garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. I used cheddar in the soup, and parmesan shavings to top the soup are great to add as well. Cheese and more cheese is a fabulous thing. 🙂 This really was absolutely delicious and was accompanied by a light salad and some ciabatta bread to soak up all the scrumptiousness!

Cauliflower, ham, chicken broth, garlic, onion, heavy cream, and potato
Some Ingredients for Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder

The ham imparted such an amazing flavor to the soup and I'm happy that I have more ham so that I can whip up this soup again!

Benefits of Eating Cauliflower

Cauliflower
Healthy and Nutritious Cauliflower!

So turns out this soup is pretty good for you! It includes cauliflower, which is on a list of Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables from the CDC. I just discovered this list of produce ranked by nutrient density. These are supposed to be some of the best foods you can eat to help prevent chronic disease. Cauliflower is #24!

Cauliflower is a great source of fiber and vitamins, including the B-vitamins, C, and K. It also contains cancer fighting antioxidants. I'm going to work on incorporating more cauliflower into my diet after learning this!

Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder in a spoon

You will absolutely love this soup! And you may also enjoy these soups as well!

The BEST Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup with garlic bread

New Hampshire Inspired New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder

Cheers!

Grace

Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder and Sliced Bread

Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder

Grace
So creamy and delicious, this is perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving ham, or anytime you desire some serious comfort food!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 21 mins
Total Time 31 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 3 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 Thai chilis minced (leave out if you prefer a non spicy version)
  • 1 large potato peeled and cut into small pieces
  • ¼-1/2 lb diced ham
  • 1 head small cauliflower cut into small pieces
  • 32 oz chicken broth you may have some left over
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar
  • parmesan cheese shavings as soup garnish (optional)
  • cayenne pepper to sprinkle on top (optional)
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat up your olive oil in a large sauce pan on med - med high heat. Add your onion, garlic, and Thai chilis (if using) saute until softened, around 3-5 minutes.
    onion, garlic, and Thai chilis all minced in a saucepan with a wooden spoon
  • Add the ham, and stir fry for around 3 minutes. Then add the cauliflower and potato and give it a stir.
    Minced onion, garlic, and Thai chilis, along with diced ham in a saucepan
  • Add enough chicken broth to cover the mixture and then bring to the boil. Cover, then lower to a simmer and simmer for around 15 minutes, or until the potato and cauliflower are tender.
    minced onion, garlic, and Thai chilis along with cauliflower, ham, potato and chicken broth in a saucepan
  • Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy whipping cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder in a bowl

Notes

This recipe calls for ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to be added to the soup.  You can adjust and add a bit more or less to your liking.  
Top this deliciously creamy soup with parmesan shavings and some cayenne pepper to give it a kick if you like!  Serve with a side salad and some amazing bread for a completely satisfying meal!
Keyword chowder, creamy, ham, Soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

West African Soupe Gumbo - 1,000 Foods to Eat Project

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about delicious West African Soupe Gumbo!

West African Soupe Gumbo

The Gambia, West Africa

It has been many years since I had the privilege of traveling to West Africa, but I remember much of it as if it was yesterday.

We made a trip to The Gambia, and also spent a little time in Senegal. These countries were the most exotic and amazing places that I had been to at the time. I was blown away by the scenery, by the endless possibility for adventure, but most of all blown away by the people.

Cows on the beach in The Gambia
Cows on the beach in The Gambia (West Africa)

The people were so friendly, and full of joy. I hope to make it back there again someday!

1,000 Foods To Eat Project

I wasn't a foodie back then, so unfortunately didn't focus in on the food. However, I am now keen on trying as many different types of foods as I can, and working my way through my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project. This project is based on the book 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die, by Mimi Sheraton.

West African Soupe Gumbo

One of the foods in the book, and in my project, is Soupe Gumbo, from West Africa. When many of of us think of gumbo, we probably think of Louisiana style gumbo. However, did you know that the seeds from the okra pods originally came over to the Americas from slaves who came from West Africa? Per Mimi Sheraton in 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die, "the American "gumbo"comes from the Bantu word for okra."

There is a description for a Soupe Gumbo from the Ivory Coast in the book, but not a recipe. I played around with the ingredients of this soup and was able to come up with an absolutely delicious version, which I hope might taste like something you might find on the Ivory Coast!

I hope you will enjoy this hearty and delicious soup which contains okra, chicken, onions, and one of my favorites - scotch bonnet peppers. 🙂

Soupe Gumbo

Enjoy a taste of West Africa! This is #3 on my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project.

Soupe Gumbo

West African Soupe Gumbo

Grace
Try this hearty and delicious West African Soupe Gumbo!  Spicy and fiery, serve with lots of white rice, and enjoy a taste of the Ivory Coast!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Main Course
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken thighs
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers diced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 100 grams okra topped and tailed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 ts pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 4 green onions sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet on med high.  Add the chicken thighs, and fry each side for approximately 4-6 minutes until browned.  Remove to a plate, and allow to cool.  Once cooled shred the chicken. 
  • Add scotch bonnets and onion to a food processor, and process until diced.
    Diced onion and scotch bonnet peppers
  • Top and tail your okra.  Cut into bite sized pieces. 
    Cut okra
  • Heat up stove to med high, and add to a stock pot the chicken broth, diced scotch bonnets and onion, okra, and shredded chicken.
    Chicken broth onion scotch bonnet and okra
  • Add the tomato sauce, pepper, and a pinch of salt, and bring to the boil. 
    Soupe Gumbo Ingredients
  • Turn down to medium low, and simmer for 15 minutes.  Taste and season with additional salt if desired. 

Notes

This dish is meant to be hot and fiery!  However if you'd like to try it but are not keen on hot and spicy foods, either leave out the diced scotch bonnets, or leave it whole and add to the soup whole when you add the okra, rather than diced. Enjoy this with lots of white rice and garnished with green onions! 
Keyword Soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

New Hampshire Inspired New England Clam Chowder - 1,000 Foods to Eat Project

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. So I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about New England Clam Chowder, one of the foods in my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project!

New England Clam Chowder

October 2017 we had the privilege of visiting New England in the fall.  Wow!  The colors were AMAZING!  Our main destination was Maine, and we drove from Boston through New Hampshire into Maine and traveled along coastal Maine through crisp fall weather and gazing at beautiful fall foliage.

State of New Hampshire Welcome Center Sign with People

En route to Maine we stopped at the Hayseed Restaurant (accompanies the Smuttynose Brewing Company) in New Hampshire. The Hayseed is where I had my first ever New England Clam Chowder while in New England.

Prior to even leaving for Maine, I had been anticipating eating my first clam chowder in New England. As I have always loved clam chowder, I couldn't wait to have my first bowl! This chowder did not disappoint. 🙂

Here you'll find my recipe that tries to recreate this creamy clam chowder.  I hope you'll agree that this clam chowder provides a taste of New England!!

Celery Garlic Potato Onion and Green Onion
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1YywybFlyA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

1,000 Foods to Eat Project

New England Clam Chowder is one of the foods listed in the book 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die, by Mimi Sheraton. It became #19 in my quest to try each and every one of the foods in the book.

1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die Front Jacket
1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die

Please follow along with me on this quest to try the 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die, from the book by Mimi Sheraton! Join me in this journey and discover new foods, experiences, and cuisines which I hope will add inspiration, fun, and joy to your life! For a list of the foods tried so far visit the 1,000 Foods to Eat Project page.

If you'd like to follow along and be a part of the 1,000 Foods Project, please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 🙂

New England Clam Chowder

Other Great Soup Recipes!

If you love soup you may also love these soup recipes!

West African Soupe Gumbo

The BEST Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings

I'd love your feedback! Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated! Cheers! Grace

New England Clam Chowder

New Hampshire Inspired New England Clam Chowder

Enjoy a taste of New England with this delicious clam chowder!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bacon cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 2 large potatoes peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 4 6.5oz chopped clams
  • 1.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ea green onions sliced for garnish
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 1 ts chicken bouillon seasoning I used Maggi
  • corn starch to thicken if desired

Instructions
 

  • Cut bacon into bite sized pieces and brown in a large saucepan or stockpot 
  • Drain cooked bacon on paper towels
  • Cook the onion and garlic in the bacon fat on med heat for 3 minutes stirring occasionally
  • Add the celery and cook another 2 minutes
  • Add potatoes, 1.5 cup chicken broth, ½ teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules and bring to the boil
  • Turn down heat to med low, and simmer for around 15 minutes (until potatoes are tender) 
  • Add 1 cup of heavy cream and all the clams (with all their juices) and stir to combine
  • If at this point the chowder is too thin for your liking, add some corn starch (follow directions on your corn starch container as to how to add the corn starch)
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.  (Go easy on the salt as the chowder will likely be salty due to the bacon and other ingredients)

Notes

Scoop your chowder into some bowls, add bacon bits and green onions on top, and enjoy the taste of New England!!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The BEST Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup!

by 8 Comments

Broccoli and cheddar soup in a white bowl with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese as garnish.

At the time I write this, it is winter, and a large part of the mid West is suffering from extreme temperatures due to a Polar Vortex. Here in San Antonio we'll be in the 50's over the next couple of days. This is t-shirt weather compared to up North! I'm really praying that our neighbors in the mid West suffering through this weather stay safe and warm!! One soup that is guaranteed to warm you up anytime is this Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup!

Cold winter days call for warming soups and stews. I've been cooking quite a few of these lately, and one of my favorites is also quite spicy, which ups the "warming" factor.

Why You Will Want To Make This Soup!

This Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is absolutely delicious at any time of year, but really hits the spot on a cold day. The addition of a few Thai chilis (use serrano or jalepeno if you prefer) along with some cayenne pepper, really gives this soup a kick.

Rich with nutritious broccoli, onion, carrots, and garlic, it is also good for you. However please allow for a little decadence by the addition of cream and lots of sharp cheddar as well. This results in a luscious cheesy flavor which you won't be able to get enough of!

So, let me tell you what ingredients you will need to make this delicious soup!

Ingredients

You will need the following simple ingredients to make this dish:

  • Thai chilis (you can sub serrano or jalapeno if you prefer)
  • Carrot
  • Fresh broccoli crown
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Chicken bouillon (I used Maggi)
  • Chicken broth or chicken stock (can sub vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian soup)
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Green onion (as garnish)

Once you've gathered your ingredients, be happy that you are only about 35 minutes away from enjoying a bowl of this delectable creamy soup!

Easy Instructions

This soup is SOUPER easy to create! (Please forgive the pun.)

Begin by cutting the peeled carrot and onion into bite sized pieces and the broccoli crown into broccoli florets. Keep the broccoli to the side.

Throw your carrot, garlic, onion, and chilis into a food processor and process until finely minced.

Minced carrot and onion in a food processor with a head of broccoli and some butter in the background.

Melt butter on med high heat in a large pot, and then add your finely minced carrot, garlic, onion, and chilis, along with the broccoli florets, into the sauce pan once the butter has melted. Saute for 7-10 minutes (or until vegetables are softened) over the med high heat, stirring often.

Now add chicken broth (or vegetable broth), salt, pepper, cayenne, and Maggi seasonings, stir, and bring to the boil. Lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Broccoli florets, minced onion and carrots in a chicken broth, with spices added to the top including pepper and cayenne pepper.

Stir in the heavy cream, and then add the cheddar and allow to melt. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

This recipe does not call for use of an immersion blender, but if you want you can use one to blend the soup to your liking.

Broccoli and cheddar soup with minced carrots and onion and small pieces or broccoli visible in the soup with a ladle holding some of the soup in the foreground.

Yay! Now it's time to grab some beautiful soup bowls and fill with this delectable spicy cheesy soup!

How To Serve This Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli and cheddar soup in a patterned bowl with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese as garnish.

I recommend adding some additional shredded cheddar to the soup, along with sliced green onions as garnish.

Serve this spicy, cheesy, and creamy soup with a healthy side salad, and some crusty bread. You'll have a delicious, warming and absolutely satisfying meal.

I hope that this will become your favorite way to make broccoli cheddar soup!

FAQ

How can I store any leftover soup?

You'll want to store any leftover soup in an airtight container and place it in your refrigerator.

How can I make this into a vegetarian broccoli cheddar soup recipe?

You can make this vegetarian by subbing vegetable broth for the chicken stock or chicken broth. You may also want to omit the chicken bouillon as well.

Other Soups You May Enjoy!

You may also enjoy these other delicious soups:

Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder

Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder and Sliced Bread

New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder
#19 New England Clam Chowder

If you'd like to come along with me on a fun food journey, please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 🙂

Cheers!

Grace

Broccoli and cheddar soup in a white bowl with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese as garnish.

The BEST Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Grace
Spicy and warming this delicious broccoli cheddar soup is both healthy and a little decadent at the same time!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor makes mincing the carrot, onion, and garlic fast and easy
  • 1 large pot for cooking the soup

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Thai chilis use serrano or jalapeno if you prefer
  • 1 carrot peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 medium sized broccoli crown cut into florets and bite sized pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 green onion sliced as garnish
  • ¼ ts salt plus more to taste
  • ¼ ts pepper plus more to taste
  • ¼ ts cayenne pepper plus more to taste
  • ½ ts chicken bouillon I used Maggi
  • 2 cups chicken broth or chicken stock can sub vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 4-6 oz sharp shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cut peeled carrot and onion into bite sized pieces and the broccoli into florets. Keep the broccoli to the side.
    Broccoli, Carrot, Onion and Garlic in Food Processor
  • Throw your carrot, garlic, onion, and chilis into a food processor and process until finely minced.
    Minced carrot and onion in a food processor with a head of broccoli and some butter in the background.
  • Melt butter on med high heat in a large sauce pan
    Butter melting in a pan
  • Add your finely minced carrot, garlic, onion, and chilis, along with the broccoli florets, into the sauce pan once the butter has melted. Saute for 7-10 minutes (or until vegetables are softened) over the med high heat, stirring often.
    Broccoli florets and minced carrot and onion in a saucepan.
  • Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, cayenne, and Maggi seasonings, stir, and bring to the boil. Lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
    Broccoli florets, minced onion and carrots in a chicken broth, with spices added to the top including pepper and cayenne pepper.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, and then add the cheddar and allow to melt. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
    Broccoli and cheddar soup in a saucepan with pieces of broccoli in a sauce made with cream and butter and lots of shredded cheddar on top.
  • Serve and enjoy garnished with a few more shreds of cheddar, and green onions!
    Broccoli and cheddar soup in a patterned bowl with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese as garnish.

Notes

If you prefer a milder version, by all means feel free to leave out the cayenne and the chilis.  This soup is still delicious!  Serve with warm crusty bread for a wonderfully satisfying meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 16gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 458mgPotassium: 795mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 4776IUVitamin C: 146mgCalcium: 349mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cheddar soup, Soup, spicy food
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Broccoli cheddar soup and French baguette

Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about delicious Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings!

Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings Soup

Delaware is a mid-Atlantic state that is pretty much surrounded by water. Therefore it has miles of beautiful beaches and many coastal towns to explore.  It is known as "The First State,"due to it being the first of the original 13 states to ratify the US Constitution.  

I wanted to cook a dish inspired by the state of Delaware, so did some research.

[feast_advanced_jump_to] ...

Read More