Category Archives: Soups/Stews

Italian Wedding Soup

April 22, 2021 by pamflo

Wedding soup actually means the “marriage” of meat and greens. There are so many wonderful versions of this soup, and feel free to vary it as you wish. I made a large batch of meatballs with a combination of pork and beef, and baked them in the oven, instead of the traditional step of simmering the meatballs in chicken broth. Delicious! Once the soup was done, I stored each soup component separately – the broth, meatballs and noodles in order […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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Hearty Minestrone Soup

April 30, 2020 by pamflo

There are many ways to make a delicious soup. The success of a soup is in the depth of flavors. The first layer of flavor is the pancetta, cured and salted pork belly. Olive oil is a good substitute if you don’t have or want to use pancetta. Another layer of flavor are the aromatics, vegetables used as a base flavor including, but not limited to, celery, carrots, onions and fresh herbs. Adding a piece of the rind from a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

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Ribolitta Soup

March 19, 2020 by pamflo

I’ve been digging into my archives for easy recipes using pantry staples. Ribolitta is a Tuscan soup made with lots of vegetables and hunks of toasted or stale bread. Traditionally this soup is made with inexpensive vegetables like carrots, celery and onions as well as white beans, kale and cabbage. This hearty soup is easy to make and you can use whatever variety of veggies you have on hand. I often finish soups with a splash of acid, using either […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Pantry Staples, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Spicy Tomato Soup

February 27, 2020 by pamflo

A food stylist is a culinary professional who prepares food for photography, video or film. It’s actually a hard job making food photogenic! The top food stylists come to a photoshoot with a variety of techniques, even if it requires using non-edible materials to achieve the best results. This tomato soup photo is from an intensive food styling class I took in NYC. It was really fun to learn the techniques involved in producing a beautiful food photo. That being said, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetarian • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

January 9, 2020 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Coconut adds the healthy fat and provides a good source of energy. Fresh ginger aids in digestion and can alleviate gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete nourishment! There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup special.

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Spices, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

December 5, 2019 by pamflo

Umami is a savory flavor sometimes referred to as the fifth taste alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Naturally occurring in foods such as mushrooms, cheese, fish, meat, tomatoes and soy beans, to name a few. Sometimes when you have a dish that seems to be missing something, it’s often the umami flavor. This soup has an abundance of umami. Both the buttery parmesan rind that dissolves in the soup and the pungent anchovy paste, provide great depth of flavor. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Tuscan Kale Soup with Beans and Fregola

January 10, 2019 by pamflo

I made this soup for my son who had gotten sick this past week. As I served it to him still sleepy at 2pm, he devoured it but was confused about what the round starchy orbs in the soup were. I told him it was Fregola, which is an Italian semolina based pasta that has been toasted. “Yum”, he said! These tiny pasta rounds are a must have in soups adding a wonderful toasty flavor and texture. It sometimes can […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

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Delicious Chicken Soup

October 11, 2018 by pamflo

The leaves on the trees are changing into beautiful colors, although it still feels like summer in Boston. The start of flu season is coming and though not a cure for the common cold, chicken soup is certainly a way to ease the symptoms and make you feel better quicker. There are many recipes for chicken soup, but this one is foolproof and makes a beautiful and flavorful chicken broth. This broth is so delicious that you can drink it […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

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Fish Stew

April 5, 2018 by pamflo

Do you want an easy to make fish dish as an alternative to grilling or broiling? I was excited to explore a new option. Although I love salmon, because it’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, it was time for a fresh approach. Wow, the combination of the fennel, white wine and dill make this a fantastic, flavorful dish. The fish is simmered slowly in a combination of white wine and water (with no dairy), on a low heat […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Ribollita Soup

December 14, 2017 by pamflo

Warm up this holiday season with this hearty and healthy Tuscan vegetable soup. The cold, damp winter weather is the perfect time to hunker down and make a big ol’ pot of soup. Ribollita is an easy soup to make, with hunks of stale or toasted bread and lots of vegetables. Feel free to use a variety of veggies, although traditionally this soup is made with inexpensive vegetables, white beans, kale and cabbage. I love to finish soup with a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

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Summer Corn Chowder

September 7, 2017 by pamflo

As the summer comes to a close, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate corn on the cob which is at its peak. At many of the farmers markets, you’ll find both white and yellow corn on the cob piled in nice big stacks. When shopping for corn, the husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly against the kernels. I sometimes take a tiny peek by peeling back the husk an inch or so, to make sure the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetarian • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

Italian Vegetable and Bean Soup

February 16, 2017 by pamflo

As I approach my 200th blog post, I want to thank all of my readers for your support! I really love hearing your thoughts, and if commenting on WordPress doesn’t work for you find me on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I look forward to your continued feedback, photos and ideas. Now let’s talk about umami, a savory flavor sometimes referred to as the fifth taste alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Naturally occurring in foods such as mushrooms, cheese, fish, meat, tomatoes and soy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Spring Vegetable Soup

May 12, 2016 by pamflo

It’s been a wet and chilly spring in Boston and this hearty vegetable soup hits the spot. This can be a “clean out your refrigerator” soup, using whatever veggies you have on hand. I love adding a small hunk of parmesan rind to my soups. It adds a subtle umami flavor to a dish. Umami, a savory taste that means “delicious” in Japanese, is considered the fifth taste, along with sweet, salty, bitter and sour flavors. Some foods where umami occurs […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Simmer

Spicy Tomato Soup

January 21, 2016 by pamflo

We threw an impromptu birthday dinner for my son and some friends, and I thought tomato soup and grilled cheese fit the bill. This is Barbara Lynch’s recipe from her beautiful Stir Cookbook. The soup gets better as the flavors meld, so I always increase the recipe and we devour the leftovers. Although the crème fraîche is optional, I strongly recommend it. The flavor is similar to a mild sour cream and completes the dish. You can make your own by adding […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Simmer, Whiz

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

December 10, 2015 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Coconut adds the healthy fat and provides a good source of energy. Fresh ginger aids in digestion and alleviates gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete goodness. There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup one to be repeated. 1 large butternut squash- […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Purée, Roast, Simmer

Italian Wedding Soup

October 29, 2015 by pamflo

There is a slight chill in the air, evoking memories of the snowiest winter that even the heartiest Bostonians can’t forget. However, it has been a beautiful fall with mild weather and colorful foliage. I felt the urge to unearth my soup pot and put it to work. Wedding soup actually means the “marriage” of meat and greens. There are so many wonderful versions of this soup, and feel free to vary it as you wish. I made a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

Strawberry Gazpacho

July 2, 2015 by pamflo

Red, sweet and juicy, strawberries are ripe for the picking! There are so many ways to enjoy fresh berries. I like the idea of a simple, fresh soup that involves no cooking. Although the strawberries provide a light sweetness, this is a wonderful savory dish. The garnish could be any of the soup’s components, chopped finely and sprinkled on top. In addition to a garnish of cucumber, strawberry and tarragon, I added lightly toasted slivered almonds for a little crunch. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Whiz

Summer Minestrone Soup

June 18, 2015 by pamflo

There are many ways to make a delicious soup. The success of a soup is in the depth of flavors. I prefer recipes that have fewer ingredients, but this soup is worth the effort. The first layer of flavor is the pancetta, cured and salted pork belly. Olive oil is a good substitute for those who do not want to use pancetta. Another layer of flavor is the aromatics, vegetables used as a base flavor including (but not limited to) celery, carrots, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Simmer, Whiz

Celery and Leek Soup

February 26, 2015 by pamflo

Only 10 calories in one stalk…of celery that is. I can’t help but associate celery with dieting, after 7 years of working for the Weight Watchers organization. Although celery is not one of the most popular vegetables, it actually aids in digestion and reduces inflammation. The slow simmer of the celery, onions and leeks make this soup a winter winner. It’s warm and comforting, with a drizzle of olive oil and some crispy bits of bacon. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Sauté, Simmer

Carrot and Fennel Soup

December 30, 2014 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C too. Slow cooking fennel in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and scrumptious, you’ll find this soup surprisingly tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables, bring out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the soup in shot glasses, with a drizzle of maple creme […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Simmer, Whiz

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

November 13, 2014 by pamflo

Recently, I attended an interview with Ina Garten, Food TV personality and cookbook author, about her eighth cookbook. Her interesting life story, and delicious recipes inspire me to be a better chef and food blogger. In honor of her new cookbook, I made a butternut squash soup recipe from one of her older (healthier) cookbooks. She uses curry powder, but I substituted turmeric instead. A member of the ginger family, turmeric has many disease prevention qualities and is also known for […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Simmer

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Soups/Stews

Italian Wedding Soup

Hearty Minestrone Soup

Ribolitta Soup

Spicy Tomato Soup

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

Tuscan Kale Soup with Beans and Fregola

Delicious Chicken Soup

Fish Stew

Ribollita Soup

Summer Corn Chowder

Italian Vegetable and Bean Soup

Spring Vegetable Soup

Spicy Tomato Soup

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Italian Wedding Soup

Strawberry Gazpacho

Summer Minestrone Soup

Celery and Leek Soup

Carrot and Fennel Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup