Tia São’s Hearty Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Discover the comforting flavor of Tia São’s hearty soup, a classic recipe that warms the body and soul. Ideal for cold nights, this hearty soup is easy to prepare and incredibly nutritious. Learn how to make this delicious hearty soup!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the hearty soup:

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup soup pasta (e.g., orzo, ditalini)
• 1 liter homemade chicken broth (or water with 2 broth cubes)
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (optional)
• Chopped parsley and chives to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a drizzle of olive oil until golden.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, and zucchini. Sauté for a few minutes.
3. Pour the chicken broth (or water with broth cubes) into the pot.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
7. If desired, add the shredded chicken.
8. Finish with chopped parsley and chives.
9. Serve the hearty soup hot.

Tips and Variations

• For a vegetarian hearty soup, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Add other vegetables of your choice, such as chayote, sweet potato, or cauliflower.
• For a special touch, add grated Parmesan cheese when serving.
• If you prefer a creamier hearty soup, blend a portion of the cooked vegetables in a blender and return to the pot.
• Try adding a little grated ginger for a spicier and more invigorating flavor.

CHEF’s Tips

The secret to a good hearty soup lies in the quality of the ingredients and the cooking time. Use fresh, high-quality vegetables to ensure a more intense and nutritious flavor. Cook over low heat so the flavors meld and intensify. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to taste, and try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra touch of flavor. Hearty soup is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own version of this comforting classic. Tia São’s hearty soup is perfect for those days that call for a warm hug in the form of food.