How to Make Soup

Before we learn how to make soup, let's talk about the difference between soups and stocks. Although many times people think that soup and stock is the same thing they are in fact different. You will need to make your stock before hand to go into your soup.

Stocks are very important and are a key ingredient in soups and sauces. A stock is a liquid which has been simmered down often with bones, meat and vegetables in it; you can have many different types of stocks. These include beef, fish, chicken and vegetable stock all of which are easy to make.

Making Soup Stocks

Stocks work well with tougher cuts of meat as tender meat will break down too easily. When making chicken stock it is best to use the whole chicken to get the best flavor. Many people advice browning the bones before adding them to the stock, this is ideal if you want a dark rich color and is great for brown sauce. Simply roast the bones and vegetables, until they turn brown then add them to the liquid.

Herbs can be added to the stock and they are usually added an hour before the end of the cooking time. Salt should be avoided as the meat and bones will naturally have salt in them. Taste the stock once it is cooked and then season according to your taste. Once your stock has been brought to the boil, then it should be left to simmer for at least an hour.

During the simmering process a great deal of impurities will float to the top, you will need to ensure that you skim these off. Once the stock is cooked you will need to strain it to ensure all of the bones and cooked vegetables are removed.

You can then either add other ingredients to make a soup, or freeze and use another time. The stock is ideal for helping your soup taste amazing and once you have stock on hand and frozen you will be able to make soup whenever you want it.

How to make Chicken Stock

Follow the directions above and use these ingredients to make your stock:
4 lbs. chicken bones
2 quartered onions
2 chopped, peeled carrots
2 bay leaves
2 ribs celery, cut in pieces
2 garlic cloves, peeled
fresh herbs such as parsley, basil or oregano

How to make Vegetable Stock

Follow the directions above and use any of these ingredients you have to make your stock. Cut vegetables in pieces, quartered or cubed.
onions, green onions
garlic
potatoes, sweet potatoes
squash, pumpkin
carrots
celery
mushrooms
corn
green beans
beets
bell peppers
asparagus
fresh herbs such as parsley or basil

How to make Turkey Stock

To make turkey stock use the directions above on making stocks. Use any of the vegetables you like from the list of vegetable stock and add turkey bones. I like making a turkey stock after Thanksgiving with all the leftover turkey bones including the neck.

How to make Beef Stock

Follow the directions above and use any of these ingredients you have to make your beef stock. You can add more vegetables to the stock if you'd like.
4 lbs meat bones
2 quartered onions
2 chopped, peeled carrots
2 bay leaves
2 ribs celery, cut in pieces
2 tomatoes, quartered
2 garlic cloves, peeled
fresh herbs such as parsley, basil or oregano

How to Make Soup

Every culture has their own version of soup and there is a recipe for every type of stock and soup you can make. Soups are very popular because they are a cheap easy meal alternative and are packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Soup is a great way to use cheaper produce and even leftovers which will save you money.

Remember that a good soup can't be rushed, although many people think you simply boil vegetables and that gives you soup there is slightly more to it. You have to ensure that all of the vegetables are evenly chopped and that you allow enough time to slowly cook your soup. Soup should cook on a low heat for a good amount of time.

How to Thicken soup

• Use cream, evaporated milk or milk for added thickness and amazing taste
• Puree some of your vegetables in your soup and add them back in to thicken.
  
• Add 1 Tablespoon cornstarch to 2 Tablespoons liquid and then add to your soup to thicken your soup.

How to Make Cream Soups

It is easy to make cream soups by blending your cooked soup with an immersion blender or pouring soup in the blender to puree. Then add back to your pan. You can puree the whole soup for a pure cream soup or puree half the soup and add back to the rest of the soup.


Try these recipes on how to make soup:
Cream of Potato Soup
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Tomato Soup
Cream of Mushroom soup

Broth Based Soups

Broth based soups are different than creamed soups. The key ingredient in broth soups is the stock or broth. Then other ingredients are added to finish the soup.



Try these broth based recipes on how to make soup:
Chicken noodle soups
Ham and Vegetable soup
Egg Drop Soup
Minestrone Soup

Hearty Stews

Hearty stews make great warm meals that will fill you up. Beef stews, chowders or soups with lots of filling ingredients are included in this category.




Try these recipes on how to make soup:
Beef Stew
Chicken Potato Chowder
Chili
Ham and Bean Soup







Find more soup recipes here.

Share a how to make soup recipe?

Share Your Recipe

Do you have a favorite recipe? Share with others and let them try it!

Enter Your Title

Share your recipe [ ? ]

Close Help Entering your recipe is easy to do. Just type!...

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

Close Help Do you have a picture to add? Great! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it.

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

Reader's Submitted Recipes and Ideas

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

---

Related Basic Cooking Lesson Pages:
~ Basic Cooking Lessons, ~ Stock and soups, ~ 5 mother sauces, ~ Yeast and baking breads, ~ Herbs and spices, ~ Vegetables, ~ Dry beans, ~ Grains, ~ Eggs, ~ Different cooking methods, ~ Growing an herb garden, ~ How to cook Q&A forum

---