Soup is one of the most satisfying and simple meals. Easy to make, it’s possible to have fresh homemade soup anytime, even on a weeknight. Here are a few recipes with some easy short cuts. Add some warm French bread, a big salad, and a lovely glass of wine, and you have a feast for a king.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This is a staple in my house. I always have individual portions in the freezer for a quick lunch or dinner. A few pro tips…. When you roast chicken for dinner, always make 2. Cooked chicken is always great to have on hand for soup. It’s great to make a big pot of chicken stock once a month. You can keep it in the freezer for a quick soup anytime. I always have frozen peas on hand for soups or rice pilaf.

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts homemade stock or low sodium chicken broth
• 3 carrots diced
• 4 stalks of celery diced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2-3 Tablespoons of butter
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 2 cups dried noodles or pasta… my favorite is ditalini
• 1 cup frozen peas
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat a heavy bottomed pot.
2. Sweat the onion in butter until translucent. A pinch of salt will help with that.
3. Add the carrot and celery and cook until tender.
4. Add the stock, dried herbs, and chicken and bring to a boil.
5. Add the noodles or pasta and cook until al dente.
6. Finish with the peas and cook until they are heated through.

Wine Pairings:

• Cave de Lugny – Macon Lugny – Les Charmes – Chardonnay – 2013
• Trimbach – Pinot Blanc – 2012 

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Turkey Orzo Soup

I don’t wait for Thanksgiving. I roast turkey all year long. It’s great for soups, sandwiches, and casseroles. I love this soup with its touch of lemon to brighten the flavors. If you don’t have turkey, it’s great with turkey, too. Pro tip: if you are making homemade stock, use turkey necks for flavor and extra richness.

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts homemade stock or low sodium chicken broth
• 3 carrots diced
• 4 stalks of celery diced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2-3 Tablespoons of butter
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or lemon thyme if available…1-2 sprgs of fresh is perfect
• 2 cups cubed cooked turkey
• 1 and a half cups orzo
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Zest of 1 lemon and lemon wedges for garnish
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat a heavy bottomed pot.
2. Sweat the onion in butter until translucent.
3. A pinch of salt will help with that.
4. Add the carrot and celery and cook until tender.
5. Add the stock, dried herbs, and turkey and bring to a boil.
6. Add the orzo and cook until al dente.
7. Finish with the peas and lemon zest, and cook until they are heated through.
8. Serve with lemon wedges.

Wine Pairings:

• King Estate – Acrobat – Pinot Gris – 2013
• Decoy – Sauvignon Blanc – 2013

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Mushroom and Barley Soup

This is a very versatile soup which can be totally vegan for your meatless Monday or rich and beefy. Making vegetable stock is a great way to use those vegetables in the fridge, which may no longer be party fresh of for the meat eaters, left over roast beef makes a great addition to the soup.

Ingredients: 

• 2 quarts homemade beef or vegetable stock or low sodium broth
• 3 carrots diced
• 4 stalks of celery diced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic mashed and chopped finely
• 2-3 Tablespoons of butter
• 1 pound sliced mushrooms (classic button or mixed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup cubed cooked roast beef (optional)
• 1 cup barley
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped green onion and sour cream for garnish (optional)

 Directions:

1. Heat a heavy bottomed pot.
2. Sweat the onion in butter until translucent. A pinch of salt will help with that.
3. Add the carrot and celery and cook until tender.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until dry.
5. Add the stock, dried herbs, and roast beef (optional) and bring to a boil.
6. Add the barley and cook until tender.
7. Salt and lots of black pepper to taste.
8. Finish bowls with chopped green onion and a dollop of sour cream.

Wine Pairings:

• Bouchard Pere & Fils –  Reserve Bourgogne – Pinot Noir – 2013
• Ponzi – Pinot Noir