- Written by Madelaine Bullwinkel
DEPT. OF CRAVINGS: Soup from the Pantry
It could be the fact that I have lowered the temperature on my thermostat this winter, but I have recently developed daily cravings for a steaming bowl of soup. Cravings need not annoy cooks who usually prepare soup ‘from scratch’. In times of crisis that pantry of half-forgotten canned goods can come to the rescue.
These are ingredients purchased for dishes we never got around to making, ones bought because they were on sale or were just flat-out an impulse purchase. The ability to make use of this cache offers redemption, a chance to creatively recycle past intentions. You may be surprised how quickly compatible ingredients can be assembled.
I recently combined cannellini beans, roasted red pepper, tomato puree and harissa paste. A blender churned these ingredients into a thick puree and microwave warmed them in a couple of minutes. Salt, pepper and a splash of red wine vinegar brightened their flavors. My craving also required a element of texture which was filled by a half-cup of refrigerated orzo pasta.
Prep time for my steaming bowl was about 10 minutes and left me feeling as successful as if it had taken an hour. This warranted one last look in the refrigerator for a colorful garnish. I scooped out small balls of avocado to spread over the soup while I toasted a slice of sourdough to accompany it. Voila!
