Chef's Notes Plus

10 Drinkable Soups for Outdoor Gatherings

During these cold winter months, our gatherings are typically indoor and out of the elements. But this year is unlike others, and many of us are taking our socially-distant get-togethers outside. Eating outside can be a challenge, since your hands are cold, your face is cold, and your food gets […]

Chef's Notes Plus

All About Roux

If you’re feeling the spirit of Mardi Gras, you may be inspired to try your hand at a Cajun or Creole recipe, like gumbo or shrimp etouffee. The key to many of these flavorful, complex dishes is the roux, a cooked flour and fat mixture that thickens, colors, and flavors […]

Soups and Stews

Asparagus-Edamame Bisque

Makes about 2 quarts This creamy soup is silky-smooth, with light, delicate flavors just perfect for those early spring days. Since frozen beans are often more available than fresh, it’s perfectly fine to use them in this soup. Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups thinly sliced leeks 2 shallots, […]

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Basic Method for Puréed Soups

Hearty, robust puréed soups are made from filling foods that are easy to keep on hand in cupboards all year-round: beans, dried peas, lentils, potatoes, and other root vegetables. Like all soups, you can build flavor into them every step of the way. Cooking onions and garlic in a little […]

Soups and Stews

Beef Chili

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 3 lb boneless beef shoulder 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds, or 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds, or 2 teaspoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon sweet chili powder 1 tablespoon medium hot chili powder 1 tablespoon smoked Spanish paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 […]

Soups and Stews

Brodo

Ingredients 3 lb beef (top blade chuck or shank) One 3- to 4-lb chicken 3 medium yellow onions 3 carrots 3 celery stalks 3 fresh or canned plum tomatoes 1 sachet containing 3 whole cloves, 8 black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, and 3 thyme sprigs […]

Soups and Stews

Callaloo

Makes 8 servings Callaloo is the greens of the taro root. It is popular in the Caribbean, where it is cooked and eaten in much the same way as collard or turnip greens are in the Southeastern United States. It is also used to make a wonderful soup of the […]

Soups and Stews

Catalan Beef Stew

Makes 4 servings This Spanish dish marries a flavorful cut of beef from the shoulder with some typical Catalonian ingredients: oranges, olives, red wine, and bacon. Bitter oranges are traditional, but if you don’t have access to a bitter orange, use a Valencia (juice) orange and a touch of lime […]