Soup! Soup is an all-around favorite for me. One of the best things about it is how versatile it is. Whether you are a beginner cook or you've been honing your skills since you were a kid, soup is still a go-to meal. It's very simple to make, but at the same time, it's highly customizable. Your basic formula is meat, vegetables, a supporting ingredient, and, of course, the broth. All of these pieces come together to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. For example, sausage, black beans, navy beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. This is definitely one of my favorite soups to make because it's so simple, and my family almost always has the ingredients for it. Part of the ultimate soup technique, is knowing when to add the ingredients. You don't want to overcook the beans, so make sure the temperature isn't too high, and the sausage is cooked separately so it goes in last. The diced tomatoes aren't difficult at all, so add them whenever. In addition, one thing that I love to do is to taste new soups and mix and match flavors. Who knew that spinach, tortellini, and Parmesan cheese could go so well together? Continue trying new things and pushing the limits of flavor, and at some point, before you realize it, you are making up your own soups! I am always looking at soups and wondering what I can do to improve them or add new and interesting flavors. It is definitely best served on a chilly day when you need something to warm up, but if you are like me, you won't just reserve soup for a cold day. I personally try to make any form of this dish at least once a week. One more thing that makes soup so great is the nostalgia. Soup really is my comfort food, and honestly, when I've had a long and hard day, all I want to do is come home and eat a soup dish that has been with my family since I was a kid. That is the beauty of soup.
YonaOfTheDawn