Saturday, November 24, 2012

Root Soup



This recipe started out as my own idea for how to cook potato soup, until I remembered the abundance of radishes and turnips that I have built up from my CSA. I decided to toss some of those into the mix as well. Especially since they are kind of my problem products. Good thing they keep! The turnips aren't too much of an issue, but I received so many damned radishes this season! I am not entirely complaining, but I really don't have many ideas how to use them up.

 The result was a very hearty blend meant to heat up those seasonable winter nights.

  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 5 potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 2 turnips, peeled and sliced
  • 2 radishes, peeled and sliced
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

Heat olive oil in the bottom of a large pot. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Saute until fragrant. Add potatoes, turnips, radishes, garlic, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Transfer to a blender in batches, CAREFULLY! Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a little paprika.

The color was not the most appealing, but the soup was very satisfying. It was really a very filling soup. Unfortunately I cannot give you Sophia's opinion. She was sick with a stomach virus the day I made this soup. She had intentions of eating, but once I had the soup in front of her the belly started acting up and she was unable to eat. My poor baby only ate half a slice of toast and a few apple slices all day long! That was really hard to watch.

The only gripe I have about this soup is how it holds. It was a nice smooth consistency the day I made it, but it thickened after refrigeration. It was still pretty delicious. Maybe I will need to add some broth or water to the leftovers before heating next time I make this. I will definitely be making this again, since it pretty much uses staples that have constantly been in my fridge this fall. Another great aspect of this meal is every single ingredient was acquired through my CSA! Even the broth was mainly made up of CSA scraps, so I definitely got my monies worth!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Pumpkin Orzo



This post is going to be short and sweet. Mainly because I promised a friend I would post it before Thanksgiving so she could make it as a side and I am pretty much getting down to the wire. Can you believe Thanksgiving is a week away?? I have no idea what I will be cooking for the big day. Of course I will be making pumpkin pie, but I don't now what other sides I should offer up to the table. Any ideas?

  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 1 lb orzo, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
Heat a little bit of oil in a skillet and add the celery and peppers. Saute until soft, then add the soup and pumpkin. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down low to simmer. Add cinnamon and simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Fold into the orzo.

This dish is best served immediately. The orzo will absorb the sauce if it becomes leftovers. Still delicious, but it looses the desired texture and taste.