Category Archives: Soups/Stews

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

Chilled Tomato Soup

September 25, 2014 by pamflo

Although fall just began, this is a throw back to summer. It’s a refreshing chilled tomato soup. The tomatoes are perfectly ripe now and this soup is light and simple to make. It’s a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 3/4 cup pitted Nicoise olives 2 tablespoons oregano leaves 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar Kosher salt […]

Categories: Appetizer, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Whiz

White Gazpacho

May 29, 2014 by pamflo

Cool, refreshing, healthy and no cooking required! Even if you’re not a cold soup fan, this is tangy and delicious. This soup is a Spanish classic and provides a nice break from a traditional tomato-based gazpacho. It does require a hearty blender or food processor. Give it a try! 2 pounds seedless green grapes, stemmed 1/2 cup whole blanched almonds 2 garlic cloves 6 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons good-quality sherry vinegar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Paleo

Shakshuka

April 24, 2014 by pamflo

A dish of soft poached eggs in a steaming, flavorful tomato broth with peppers, onions and spices. In Israel is it called shakshuka, and is traditionally served for breakfast. This delicious dish is a staple not only in Israeli, but in Tunisian, Moroccan and Egyptian cuisine. Many other cuisines have their own version of this dish. Shakshuka is usually served in a cast iron pan with bread to soak up the sauce. There are many ways to make this comforting […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Simmer

Bean-less Chicken Chili

March 27, 2014 by pamflo

What is the secret to making a dish that is restaurant quality? Spices! And butter, but mostly spices! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture, and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months, whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Paleo, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Roast, Simmer

Carrot Ginger Soup

March 6, 2014 by pamflo

It’s bright orange and certainly not boring! This carrot soup is a wonderful snack, or a great appetizer. I made this for my family the other night, and they devoured this delicious soup. You can garnish it with pepitas (pumpkin seeds), which are a good source of fiber, antioxidants and protein. It is a great soup for the end of winter (hopefully) and the start of spring. Enjoy! 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, roughly chopped 5 cups carrots, […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

Black Bean and Turkey Chili

February 6, 2014 by pamflo

This hearty turkey chili is a perfect winter dish. There are two secret ingredients that make the dish wonderful, molasses and chocolate. It sounds funny, but if you’re game for trying something new, this is an easy and delicious soup! I slice up creamy avocado, add some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to finish the dish. 2 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 small green bell […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Simmer

Homemade Chicken Soup

January 30, 2014 by pamflo

Jewish Penicillin! Although 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 like a consommé. This recipe makes quite a bit of wonderful chicken soup, which I recommend freezing, because you never know when you’ll need […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Simmer

Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Pears and Chocolate

October 24, 2013 by pamflo

I never thought that squash and pears with chocolate would be an appealing combination but it’s the chocolate drizzle combined with the roasted pears, that make this soup complete! This is a perfect time of year for butternut squash served any way. This soup is creamy and satisfying. I just finished the leftovers :-)! 2 onions, diced 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 5 cups) 2 tablespoons of butter (or 2 tbls olive oil or a combo of […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Soups/Stews • Tags: Butternut squash, Fruit and Vegetable, Gluten Free, Roast, Simmer, Soup

Sunday Afternoon Beef Stew

October 2, 2011 by pamflo

It’s not a cold wintery day, but I was in the mood to cook a hunk of meat low and slow. I decided on making beef stew. I found a good recipe on Epicurious and adapted it. I am planning to serve it with creamy polenta and a green salad…..can’t wait to eat it! Serves 6 All purpose flour 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil 3 pounds of trimmed boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes 2 large onions, chopped […]

Categories: Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Sear, Simmer

Spicy Tomato Soup

July 29, 2011 by pamflo

This is one of my favorite dishes to make, especially in the summer. It is a recipe from Barbara Lynch’s beautiful Stir Cookbook. The soup gets better as the flavors meld, so I always double the recipe and we devour the leftovers. Although the crème fraîche is optional, I strongly recommend you use it. It is like a mild sour cream and makes the dish complete. You can make your own by adding a small amount of buttermilk to sour cream or […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Simmer, Soup, tomato

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Soups/Stews

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

Chilled Tomato Soup

White Gazpacho

Shakshuka

Bean-less Chicken Chili

Carrot Ginger Soup

Black Bean and Turkey Chili

Homemade Chicken Soup

Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Pears and Chocolate

Sunday Afternoon Beef Stew

Spicy Tomato Soup