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I never quite warmed up to those pre-packed microwave instant "soup in a second" type soups or stews. We're missing the pleasure of simmering and stirring a gigantic pot of delicious, aromatic ingredients. A big pot of soup or stew does more than fills your family's bellies... it says "we're home." Ladle out big bowls of homemade soup and you not only thrill your family, but your pocketbook, as well.
If you have a traditional family recipe for chicken soup or beef stew, but you have not ventured much further, this struggling economy could, and should, be the time to experiment. There is a vast variety of soups, stews, and chowders that are just waiting for your creative hand. And, don't worry, just because they are economical doesn't mean they are less nutritious. On the contrary, you may be surprised by the amount and quality of nutrients in these simple dishes.
We're going to start with chicken broth as it's the beginning to many soups and stews. If you buy the canned or boxed kind it's certainly convenient, but can wreck havok on your budget. I'm here to say that it is within your power to make your own homemade chicken broth! You may not feel up to the challenge, what with all the TV cooks opening up a can or box, but trust me, you are ready. By making your own chicken broth you control the salt and flavors. You can skim the fat off after cooling, or leave it as is. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to fill your freezer with containers of broth and feel proud that you now have a supply ready to use when you need it, and at pennies instead of dollars.
Making chicken broth is not a precise science. Every cook has their own favorite method. You can use the bones leftover from a roasted chicken, or you may buy a whole chicken and use the entire bird for your broth. Either way, you just cover it with cold water, add the seasonings and vegetables you'd like for flavor, then simmer for a few hours, cool quickly, and freeze. Now you have broth to use that's worthy of your cooking!
Our mothers and grandmothers knew a thing or two about stretching the food budget. Now that we're trying to make ends meet while feeding our family, we need to take a little lesson from them. It's time to start cooking with "soup bones" again. Soup bones pack an incredible amount of flavor to our soups, stews, and chowders. See the butcher if you can't find the soup bones in the meat department. They'll be thrilled to provide you with whatever soup bone you want because they need to get rid of them. Often there will be enough little pieces of meat left on the bone to add to your soup once the simmering is finished. Your dog will love you, too. Throw doggie a nice, big knuckle bone and watch that tail wag!
When you're talking economy and nutrition, nothing tops the ever versatile bean. Packed with nutrients, beans and peas can be used as a protein substitute for non-meat eaters as well as an additional vegetable source in your diet. There are countless combinations of ingredients to try, so you'll never be bored with your selection. Starting with a traditional Split Pea Soup, or Black Bean Soup, you'll quickly be moving into more complex soups and stews like Chickpea and Butternut Squash Stew. Once you compare the cost and nutritional value, you'll be trying all sorts of bean, pea, and Lentil Soups. The flavor will keep you coming back for more.
Another great soothing soup is Potato Soup. Potatoes are inexpensive and nutritious and make a wonderfully smooth and thick base for any soup. There are many ways to make Potato Soup and there are countless recipes with ideas for adding different ingredients. You can start with a simple base of potato soup and add ham, cheese, or vegetables, and wind up with a very filling and flavorful soup. Top your Potato Soup with some shredded cheese, and a few crispy croutons, and you've got a meal that is really going to fill the tummies!
We can't forget to mention the whole family of Chowders. Whether you're cooking Corn Chowder using the most basic of recipes, or you're working some magic by adding seafood or ham, any Chowder can hold it's own against your family's appetite. This is a dish that is very satisfying, meaning no one leaves the table hungry. Your food budget will thank you, too.
When you're planning your menu for the week, have you included at least one or two soup nights? There will be no complaining when your family comes home to the wonderfully warm aroma wafting through the house. Ahhh... soup. We're home.
If you have a traditional family recipe for chicken soup or beef stew, but you have not ventured much further, this struggling economy could, and should, be the time to experiment. There is a vast variety of soups, stews, and chowders that are just waiting for your creative hand. And, don't worry, just because they are economical doesn't mean they are less nutritious. On the contrary, you may be surprised by the amount and quality of nutrients in these simple dishes.
We're going to start with chicken broth as it's the beginning to many soups and stews. If you buy the canned or boxed kind it's certainly convenient, but can wreck havok on your budget. I'm here to say that it is within your power to make your own homemade chicken broth! You may not feel up to the challenge, what with all the TV cooks opening up a can or box, but trust me, you are ready. By making your own chicken broth you control the salt and flavors. You can skim the fat off after cooling, or leave it as is. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to fill your freezer with containers of broth and feel proud that you now have a supply ready to use when you need it, and at pennies instead of dollars.
Making chicken broth is not a precise science. Every cook has their own favorite method. You can use the bones leftover from a roasted chicken, or you may buy a whole chicken and use the entire bird for your broth. Either way, you just cover it with cold water, add the seasonings and vegetables you'd like for flavor, then simmer for a few hours, cool quickly, and freeze. Now you have broth to use that's worthy of your cooking!
Our mothers and grandmothers knew a thing or two about stretching the food budget. Now that we're trying to make ends meet while feeding our family, we need to take a little lesson from them. It's time to start cooking with "soup bones" again. Soup bones pack an incredible amount of flavor to our soups, stews, and chowders. See the butcher if you can't find the soup bones in the meat department. They'll be thrilled to provide you with whatever soup bone you want because they need to get rid of them. Often there will be enough little pieces of meat left on the bone to add to your soup once the simmering is finished. Your dog will love you, too. Throw doggie a nice, big knuckle bone and watch that tail wag!
When you're talking economy and nutrition, nothing tops the ever versatile bean. Packed with nutrients, beans and peas can be used as a protein substitute for non-meat eaters as well as an additional vegetable source in your diet. There are countless combinations of ingredients to try, so you'll never be bored with your selection. Starting with a traditional Split Pea Soup, or Black Bean Soup, you'll quickly be moving into more complex soups and stews like Chickpea and Butternut Squash Stew. Once you compare the cost and nutritional value, you'll be trying all sorts of bean, pea, and Lentil Soups. The flavor will keep you coming back for more.
Another great soothing soup is Potato Soup. Potatoes are inexpensive and nutritious and make a wonderfully smooth and thick base for any soup. There are many ways to make Potato Soup and there are countless recipes with ideas for adding different ingredients. You can start with a simple base of potato soup and add ham, cheese, or vegetables, and wind up with a very filling and flavorful soup. Top your Potato Soup with some shredded cheese, and a few crispy croutons, and you've got a meal that is really going to fill the tummies!
We can't forget to mention the whole family of Chowders. Whether you're cooking Corn Chowder using the most basic of recipes, or you're working some magic by adding seafood or ham, any Chowder can hold it's own against your family's appetite. This is a dish that is very satisfying, meaning no one leaves the table hungry. Your food budget will thank you, too.
When you're planning your menu for the week, have you included at least one or two soup nights? There will be no complaining when your family comes home to the wonderfully warm aroma wafting through the house. Ahhh... soup. We're home.
About the Author:
Serving soups and stews once or twice a week can really give your food dollar a boost. Not to mention your tastebuds! If you're ready to try some new soup recipes, first consider some of the old ones, like an Old Fashioned Lentil Stew or this filling Lentil Dumpling Soup. Very yummy and nutritious, too!
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