Favorite Soups, Stews and Chowders
Mother Nature tried to hold off the cooler temps, and I certainly enjoyed our short-lived Indian Summer, but it looks like colder temps are here to stay. When the weather turns, I get a hankering for a warm bowl of soup. Here are some of my favorites from local restaurants.
I know it sounds decadent, or maybe even sacrilegious to put Lobster in soup, but a bowl of this may be just what you need on a cold autumn night. It’s a modern take on an old standby- veggie and potato stew. Made with homemade Maine lobster, sweet corn, potatoes, vegetables and a touch of cream.
If you don’t like beans, you won’t like this soup. Me? I love a hearty bean soup. It’s not only warm, it’s filling as well, and the savory flavor combinations in this soup are just right.
I didn’t grow up in Fort Wayne, but even I get all nostalgic thinking about Coney Island’s famous hot dogs and chili sauce. I was actually surprised to discover that the chili is just as good served by itself in a big bowl. I love crunching up a bunch of saltine crackers and sprinkling them over my chili.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t add the Dash In’s Pesto Soup to my list. When I get a craving for a warm bowl of soup, it’s often for this one in particular. Loaded with beans, tomatoes, and zucchini, I load mine up with pepper and dunk my pesto grilled cheese into it. Yum! A delicious blend of fresh vegetables in a basil pesto broth also topped with scallions and Parmesan cheese.
Granite City’s Ale & Cheddar Soup
Beer and cheese? Yes please! Of course, a brewery would be missing a huge opportunity if it didn’t make a killer cheese and beer soup, and Granite City comes through. Creamy Cheddar cheese soup simmered with our Northern Light and garnished with toasted rye croutons.
Noodle Bowl’s Rice Noodles with Vegetables
I am a big fan of Asian food, especially Vietnamese food, and this Rice Noodle soup is a pretty good choice, especially when I need something warm and hearty. It’s also a good choice for my vegetarian friends. Vegetarian rice noodles- thin rice noodles in a clear broth with carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, bean sprouts, yu choy and cilantro.
As I mentioned, I am a big fan of Asian food, and Thai food ranks up there at the top. So many of its dishes use generous amounts of coconut milk, a sweet and savory addition to curry dishes and soup. Combining coconut milk with the tangy galangal root (a member of the ginger family) and lime juice, this soup is a sweet and savory treat. Smooth tasty creamy coconut milk broth with galangal root, lime juice and fine herbs.
Taste of India’s Mulligatawny Soup
If you’ve never had this traditional Indian soup, I urge you to try it. It’s a good introduction to the subtle seasonings of most Indian food. Mild lentil flavored pepper soup.
I’d love to hear what some of your favorites are! Share them with me.
About the Author:
Amber Recker is a non-profit leader, freelance writer, community volunteer, and food blogger. By day, she serves as the director of development and marketing for Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, where she handles fundraising, marketing, and public relations. In her spare time, she and her husband Jon spend time in the kitchen and maintain their food blog. They have two Great Danes, Lucy and Lenora, who keep them on their toes.
Amber’s website: www.thegingerkitchen.com