Icy winds, shorter days . . . it’s no wonder we like to find refuge in the comfort of a hearty bowl of autumn soup! If your recipes are lacking a little inspiration, check out these four original ways to elevate your seasonal classics.
1. Garnish them with a touch of “crisp”
When making soup, think about contrasting textures first. A crunchy touch, like traditional croutons, is the perfect complement to the velvety texture of a soup. If you want to get off the beaten path, know that other options are just as delicious! Slices of crumbled bacon or prosciutto chips are sure to brighten up your carrot, squash, leek, or cauliflower cream soups.
Of course, shaved Parmesan cheese is a go-to classic. Sprinkle some liberally on this savoury Italian-style soup. Want to give it a more decadent touch? Prepare some Parmesan cheese tiles to give it a crispier texture. They’re so easy to make! On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, form circles of grated Parmesan cheese, then bake for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). These tasty tiles add the perfect touch of crunch to this Italian sausage and vegetable soup.
As for Mexican-style soups, we suggest topping your bowl with crushed corn chips. Or even better: make them yourself using tortillas. To make this topping, brush tortillas with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and a Mexican-style spice blend, then cut into triangles. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), and watch your soup go from blah to picante in seconds!
Other toppings, such as roasted chickpeas, can also add some protein to your soups. Tofu also has the advantage of adding flavour while transforming a soup into a heartier dish. Simply cut the tofu into small cubes, coat with cornstarch, and sauté in a pan (or cook in the air fryer). Season to taste before adding a handful to your bowl.
2. Flavour them with creams and oils
A dash of cream is good, but cream flavoured with garlic and herbs is even better! Whether you opt for sour cream, coconut cream, or yogurt, elevate your game with fresh herbs, spices, and lemon or lime juice.
As for oils, try flavouring them with thyme, basil, rosemary, fresh tarragon or bay leaves, with garlic, or lemon peel. These oils can be kept in the fridge for a few days and can also be used to make salad dressings or to add flavour to a pasta dish.
3. Think outside the plain-bread box
The world of bread is so vast that you can explore far beyond the traditional. Rye or sourdough bread, a loaf topped with dried fruit or nuts . . . the flavourful possibilities are endless! Alternatively, make forays into the Orient with pita or naan bread, ideal sidekicks to Indian-style soups.
While butter is still the ideal accompaniment to bread, try flavouring it with fresh herbs, spices, lime zest, or Parmesan cheese. Fig confit is also an original addition to slices of bread spread with goat cheese. Another option? A gourmet grilled cheese, made with soft cheese and caramelized onions. Simply sublime paired with a cream of tomato and roasted pepper soup.
4. Add a fruity touch
What? Fruit in a soup? This combination, which may seem strange at first glance, is nevertheless quite harmonious. Starting with the apple, whose sweet and tangy notes lend themselves perfectly to a cream of parsnip, potato, and cauliflower. The clementine, on the other hand, is a wonderful complement to a soup made with squash or carrots.
Fruit can also be used as a garnish. Cut into slices or brunoised, apples or pears will perfectly balance out your soups. Just like dried fruit sautéed in maple syrup and seasoned with spices.
With a little inspiration, your fall classics can be completely reinvented. So, get ready for some delicious delights that will surprise your taste buds . . . and the whole family!
