Canned soup is an inexpensive meal that is easy to make. All you have to do is open up the can and heat up the contents. Unfortunately, this can get boring fast. What is an amateur cook to do? If you are in a hurry, you are probably not going to be able to cook a full meal from scratch. The good news is that you can improve any can of soup to make things more interesting, without things getting complicated.
The right additions can turn your canned soup from a bland sort of meal to a fabulous one. For instance, a few extra vegetables can make things a lot more fun. Chop up whatever you have around and saute it quickly in a pan, or just cook it a little in the microwave. Add the partially cooked veggies to your soups and improve the flavor right away.
You can use frozen vegetables, as well. They require even less work than using fresh vegetables or many types of leftovers. Just pour them out of the bag and heat. There is a real difference in taste. Try corn or green beans in chowders or cream soups, for instance.
Meat can make an excellent addition to soups, as well, and it is a great way to use up leftovers. For a tasty chicken soup, save bits from a previous chicken meal, warm them briefly in the microwave, and add to your canned meal for a better taste. Any kind of meat, including seafood, can be used. Just make sure you cook it thoroughly before eating, for safety’s sake.
For those who do not usually have much in the way of meaty leftovers, canned meats can come to the rescue. There are great canned chicken, shrimp, crab, and other meat options out there that can really help you add interest to your soups. It is amazing how easy soup recipes can be.
You do not have to be using meat to turn leftovers into effective soups, either. Try using last night’s lentil pilaf, some leftover rice or barley, or even a handful of noodles in your canned soups to add a little interest. These grain items can be added when you heat up the soup, since they are precooked.
Be sure not to forget about your spice cabinet or condiment shelf when you improve canned soups. Sprinkle on a little garlic or onion powder, seasoning salt, a few herbs, or some red or black pepper. Splash in a little wine or sherry, or a touch of balsamic or red wine vinegar. Hot sauce, soy sauce, and other unusual condiments also have a surprisingly good effect.
Last, but not least, do not forget about dairy. A little freshly grated cheese can make your soup much tastier, and some soups benefit greatly from a spoonful of sour cream. Do not overdo it, and always add these after heating to prevent separation (to create a cheese soup, you can add grated cheese to a cream soup when heating). You will love the taste that results.
Your favorite chicken noodle soup recipe can only get better with time. Each time you make it, you hone your soup making skills. Each time you learn a little more about making the perfect broth. You learn a bit more about the right seasonings to add. You improve every time.
