Winter Soup and Stews: Warm and Hearty Bowls for Cold Days
Welcome to Edible Talks! Hot drinks and foods during cold days not only warm the body but also soothe the soul. Winter Soup and stews are a great choice during these days, which are not only healthy but also delicious. Hot food has its own pleasure in the cold weather. They not only provide energy to your body but also improve your immunity.
In this blog, we will provide you with a special Winter Soup and Stews recipe for winter. Along with this, we will also tell you the benefits of these foods, important precautions while preparing them, and some useful tips to make them even better. This blog will be especially useful for those who want to keep themselves energetic and healthy during the cold season.
Features of Winter Soup and Stews
Winter Soup and Stews are special types of food that can be prepared very easily and are made with different types of vegetables and meat. They are nutritious and the ingredients in them provide energy and health to the body. In winter, these foods are the best way to keep your body warm from the inside.
Soup is usually thin and is served as an appetizer, while stew is thick and can be eaten as a complete meal. Both are made with meat, vegetables, and various spices, which makes their taste very unique and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the soup:
- Chicken or Beef: 500 grams (cut into small pieces)
- Water: 6 cups
- Carrots: 2 pcs (finely chopped)
- Peas: ½ cup
- Potatoes: 2 pcs (cut into small cubes)
- Onion: 1 pc (finely chopped)
- Garlic: 3 cloves (finely chopped)
- Ginger: 1 inch piece (minced)
- Tomatoes: 2 pcs (finely chopped)
- Cornflour: 2 tablespoons (dissolved in water)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil or butter: 2 tablespoons
- Coriander: for garnish
For the stew:
- Beef or chicken: 500 grams (cut into large pieces)
- Potatoes: 3 pcs (large pieces)
- Carrot: 3 pcs (coarse pieces)
- Capsicum: 1 pc (largely chopped)
- Water or broth: 5 cups
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Hot spices: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Green chilies: to taste (finely chopped)
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Recipe:
Soup recipe:
1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger and fry until lightly golden.
2. Then add the meat and fry well so that the meat changes colour.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes become soft.
4. Add water and cover the pot and cook the meat on medium heat for 30 minutes to soften it.
5. Add the carrots, peas, and potatoes and cook for another 15 minutes.
6. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper and mix.
7. Finally, add the corn flour mixture and stir constantly to thicken the soup.
8. Cook the soup for another 5 minutes and then garnish with coriander.
Stew recipe:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and fry the meat well.
2. Add the onion and capsicum and cook until soft.
3. Add the potatoes and carrots and fry lightly.
4. Add water or stock and let the meat and vegetables cook on low heat.
5. Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and hot spices.
6. Mix well and let the stew cook for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables and meat are tender.
7. Finally, add lemon juice and sprinkle with coriander leaves.
Food Pairing:
The soup goes best with crusty rotis, garlic naan or pasta, while the stew can be served with rice or fresh parathas. Both these dishes are not only filling but their aroma and taste are a joy in the cold weather.
Precautions:
1. Use fresh ingredients:
Always buy vegetables and meat fresh for better taste and nutrition.
2. Be careful with the amount of corn flour:
Too much can make the soup too thick.
3. Balance of spices:
Use salt and pepper in moderation so that the natural taste of the soup is not affected.
4. Cook the meat thoroughly:
Cook the meat completely so that it is tender and delicious to eat.
5. Fat control:
If you want less fat, use olive oil instead of butter.
6. Fresh garnish:
Always add coriander or green onions before serving to maintain freshness.
7. Special precautions for children:
If children are eating, reduce the amount of chilies.
Winter Soup and Stews Benefits:
Winter Soup and Stews are rich in protein, vitamins, and fiber. Vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes provide nutrients, while meat strengthens the body. In winter, it not only keeps you physically warm but also increases immunity.
These foods are easily digested and are also useful for sick or weak people. In addition, using different vegetables in their preparation adds colour and flavour to your food.
Useful tips:
1. For more flavour:
Add a little cream to the soup to make it delicious and creamy.
2. Make the stew unique:
Add chickpeas or beans to it to make it more nutritious.
3. Creative approach for kids:
Cut the vegetables into beautiful shapes to attract children to eat.
4. Use stock:
Homemade chicken or beef stock can double the flavour of soups and stews.
5. Spice innovation:
Add other herbs or spices of your choice such as basil, oregano, or green chilies.
Conclusion:
Winter Soup and Stews are not only a great choice of food during cold days, but they are also a great source of energy and warmth for your body. These easy-to-prepare dishes make your table delicious and colorful.
So make these delicious and healthy Winter Soup and Stews in your kitchen this winter and enjoy them with your loved ones.