3 easy but impressive soup hacks
Few things say comfort like a pot of soup on the stove, but who has time for all that prep work? The answer is simple: get your hands on some pre-cut soup mixes, add some trimmings, sit back, simmer, and there you go!
1. The Midweek Wonder:
Start with one pack of minestrone soup mix. Add 1 litre of veggie stock or water and one can of tinned cherry tomatoes. Stir through and simmer for 40 minutes with the lid on. Add 30 g of farfalle pasta and simmer for a further 10–12 minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan and toasted cheese.
2. Feeding the Masses:
This soup has a lot of heft and would be great as the main course for a cold Sunday lunch – especially if you’re still debating what to cook on Father’s Day! Start with a lentil & tomato soup kit. Heat olive oil in a casserole and add the flavour paste from the soup kit; heat until fragrant. Add the contents of the soup kit and a can of tinned cherry tomatoes. Add 1.5 litres water or veggie stock and also a packet of chilli butternut & chickpea soup mix. Simmer for 40 minutes, then blend with a hand blender to the consistency of your liking. Serve with fresh basil pesto, fried chorizo and a scoop of plain yoghurt.
3. Going Gourmet:
Use the new Asian soup kit and cook according to the package instructions. Heat sesame oil in a casserole and add the chopped veggies from the soup kit. Add soy sauce, or the flavourful sauce from the kit, top with water and simmer until the veggies are nice and tender. Serve the soup with the cooked rice noodles from the kit. Drizzle with fresh coconut cream, sliced spring onions, toasted coconut flakes and fresh coriander. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and enjoy!