This House Special Soup is the perfect choice! Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s a satisfying and healthy meal. Whether you’re warming up on a cold day or need a quick dinner, this soup is easy to make and full of flavor.
Key Benefits
This House Special Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with benefits that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Here’s why this soup is a must-try:
- Rich in Nutrients: With a variety of fresh vegetables and lean proteins, this soup is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients in one bowl.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a breezy fall day, this soup offers a comforting, warm experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy and content, no matter the weather outside.
- Customizable and Versatile: One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at hand or to suit your dietary preferences. Want to go vegan? Skip the meat and add more veggies. Looking for a heartier option? Add some whole grains or noodles. The options are endless!
- Easy to Make: Despite being so packed with flavor, this soup is straightforward and simple to prepare. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Supports a Balanced Diet: The combination of vegetables and lean protein makes this soup a balanced meal, helping you stay full and energized without feeling weighed down.
By making this House Special Soup, you’re treating yourself to something that’s both nutritious and comforting—ideal for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a homemade, wholesome meal without any fuss!
Ingredients for house special soup
- Chicken breast: Adds tender protein. Tofu can be used as a plant-based option.
- Onion: Adds savory sweetness when cooked.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness, color, and nutrients.
- Celery: Adds crunch and balances the flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances flavor with a savory kick.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the soup, with vegetable broth as an alternative.
- Dried thyme: Adds earthy, herby flavor.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter taste.
- Spinach or kale: Adds color, texture, and nutrients.
Instructions
With your ingredients ready, let’s start cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your House Special Soup from start to finish:
Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the vegetables and cut the chicken (or tofu) into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
Add Garlic and Spices
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper and mix well.
Cook the Chicken (or Tofu)
Add the chicken pieces (or tofu) to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides or the tofu is slightly crispy.
Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add Greens
Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
Optional Add-ins
If you’re adding noodles or rice, stir them in now and let everything cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of grain or noodle.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Pro Tips for house special soup
To make your House Special Soup even better, here are a few pro tips to take your cooking to the next level:
Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting your vegetables (like carrots, onions, and celery) before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables, making them sweeter and richer in taste.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of store-bought for a fresher, more vibrant taste. It’s an easy way to elevate the flavor of your soup without much extra effort.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When cooking the chicken (or tofu), make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This helps to brown the pieces nicely, giving them a richer flavor and texture. If you need to, cook it in batches.
Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup after it’s done cooking. Just use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree some of the soup and stir it back into the pot for a creamier consistency.
Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten up the soup if added just before serving. They give a fresh, fragrant finish that complements the hearty, savory flavors.
Make It a Meal: To make this soup even heartier, consider adding a protein-packed grain like quinoa or farro. These grains add texture and make the soup more filling, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
With these pro tips, you’ll have a House Special Soup that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly suited to your taste.
Variations
One of the best things about this House Special Soup is how versatile it is. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or try new flavors.
Go Vegan: To make this soup fully plant-based, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add in extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to keep it hearty and filling.
Spicy Twist: If you love a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while cooking. This will give your soup a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Add Noodles: If you’re craving something more filling, add your favorite type of noodle—egg noodles, rice noodles, or even whole-wheat spaghetti. This turns the soup into a heartier meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Serving Suggestions for house special soup
For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve your House Special Soup with:
- Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a warm, crusty loaf of bread like sourdough or a baguette. The bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad is a great complement to the hearty soup. Toss it with a simple vinaigrette to balance out the savory flavors of the soup.
These two sides will make your House Special Soup feel complete and satisfying!
FAQ About House Special Soup
Here are some commonly asked questions about House Special Soup to help you with any doubts:
What is in a house special soup?
A House Special Soup is a comforting dish made with a combination of meats like chicken, beef, or shrimp, along with vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage. It features a savory broth made from chicken or vegetable stock, seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor. It’s a simple, versatile soup that can be adapted to your liking.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by blending a portion of the soup or adding a little cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) to the pot. Stir it well and let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! House Special Soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it.
house special soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or tofu for a plant-based option, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale roughly chopped
- Optional: 1 cup cooked noodles or rice for added heartiness
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by chopping your vegetables and cutting the chicken (or tofu) into bite-sized pieces. This will help everything cook evenly and quickly.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add Garlic and Spices
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step brings out the aromatic flavors of the garlic. Then, add the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
Cook the Chicken (or Tofu)
- Add the chicken pieces (or tofu) to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides or the tofu is slightly crispy.
Add the Broth
- Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add Greens
- Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender.
Optional Add-ins
- If you’re adding noodles or rice, stir them in now and let everything cook for another 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of grain or noodle you’re using.
Taste and Adjust
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.