Superlative Soup!
My brother Jack has a way of making soup that will literally make folks come out of their houses in search of that Yummy smell!! I kid you not, he really has magic in his hands and not just for making soup. Yes, he’s my big brother so I have bragging rights!
My favorite Seattle native was coming for lunch and it was raining out. What can I say but soup and home made bread were on the menu for sure. It had been awhile since I had even thought of my brother’s soup and I was actually skipping and dancing about the prospects of making this soup again after so much time had passed! I could hardly wait. Why had it been so long? Good thing she was due to arrive in an hour or so!
Superlative Soup, Jackie Style
1 6 lb 6oz can pureed tomatoes (yes a big batch of soup)
1 onion chopped
3 Tablespooons Olive Oil
brussel sprouts
3 Tablespoons butter
3 red peppers chopped
3 cups sliced mushrooms
5 sticks celery
1/3 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon tabasco
3-4 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 small flank steak sautéed and thinly sliced
3 cups brussel sprouts sliced in half
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons Italian herbs, fresh if you have them
Sour Cream or creme fraiche for topping (Sharp cheddar would be nice too)
The key to this soup is that you want it nice and thick, but still soup. In a medium sized pan, saute the onions in olive oil and butter. I like to use both, just tastes better. When the onions are transparent in color, saute in the garlic until just tender. Then begin adding your mushrooms and sauteing until they are nice and browned. (You can add your steak or meat at this time too) After slightly browned add your tomato puree, honey, tabasco, Worcestershire, and then add your favorite vegetables. I stuck with just a few of my favorites and let the spices work their magic. Simmer for about 60 minutes and serve. This can be made the day ahead, so give this soup at least 45 minutes for the brussel sprouts to get tender.
Jack has been known to throw a can of beer, sausage, wine, etc and I don’t believe two batches of soup have ever tasted the same. But you can be sure, they smelled and tasted heavenly! Just what a poet needs to keep his thoughts
Little River on the Milky Way
streaming!
Jack’s latest book of poetry “Little River on the Milky Way” is out now. I know I am biased, but I love my brothers poetry too. Check it out! Jack will be speaking at Cozy Corner Books at 613 Va. Beach Blvd, Va. Beach, VA (757) 802-0996 on Saturday January 29, 2011 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Don’t miss this. He might even invite you home for some soup! ;-)
Earlier that morning I started making oat bread (yes, cheating in the bread maker) and by the time the soup was done the bread was just coming out of the machine. Perfect for a bitter cold winter day shared with wonderful friends and new puppies. Mary Ann gave this a standing ovation, and a second bowl. We could barely move away from the table!
Bon Appétit!
Leave a Reply