Hearty winter soups for the chilly season

As winter settles in and the chill sets in, there’s nothing like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up. And what better way to prepare these hearty winter soups than with the reliability and efficiency of LPG and a good gas cooker?

From the aromatic spicy roasted parsnip to the nutritious winter vegetable and lentil soups, these recipes keep you cosy during the frosty months!

Potato and Leek Soup

Image source: downshiftology.com

Potato and leek soup, or potage parmentier, is a French classic. This versatile dish can be modified to create potage au cresson with watercress, served chilled as Vichyssoise, or topped with oven-fried bacon, fried leeks, fresh herbs, or diced vegetables. It’s simple to make and can be enjoyed as an appetiser, a side dish, or a stand-alone lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 large leeks, chopped (about 5 cups)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 kg potatoes, diced
• 1.2l chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh thyme or chives for garnish

Cooking Instructions

To make potato and leek soup, start by preparing the leeks. Cut off and discard the root ends and thick dark green parts, then slice the leeks in half lengthwise and rinse under cold water, pulling apart the layers to remove any grit. Roughly chop the clean leeks. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped leeks and garlic, cooking until soft and wilted, stirring occasionally. Next, add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then purée the soup using a hand-held immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth.

If using a standard blender, fill the jar no more than halfway, leave the hole in the lid open, and cover loosely with a dishtowel to allow heat to escape. Add the heavy cream, gradually adjusting to taste, then bring the soup to a simmer. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme, chives, or your preferred toppings.

Winter vegetable and lentil soup

Image source: nourishingmeals.com

For a wholesome and nutritious option, look no further than the Winter Vegetable and Lentil Soup. This soup is a winter essential, packed with hearty vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and immune-boosting goodness. Using LPG for cooking ensures even heating throughout, allowing the flavours of the vegetables and lentils to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 85g dried red lentils
• 2 carrots, quartered lengthways then diced
• 3 sticks celery, sliced
• 2 small leeks, sliced
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder
• 1 heaped tsp ground coriander
• 1.5l boiling water

Cooking instructions:

Tip all ingredients into a large pan, stir well, and cover. Simmer for 30 mins until vegetables and lentils are tender. Ladle into bowls and serve. Quick, easy, and perfect for a simple meal after a long day.

Winter lasagna soup

Image source: halfbakedharvist.com

Bringing the flavours of a classic lasagna into a comforting soup form, the Winter Lasagna Soup is a crowd-pleaser. This soup is hearty in a bowl with layers of pancetta, beef mince, cherry tomatoes, and lasagna sheets. Cooking it on a gas stove provides the perfect simmering heat needed to develop the rich flavours of the broth while melting the cheese topping to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 75g pancetta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, roughly chopped
• 1 celery stick, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 250g 15% fat beef mince
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
• 400g can cherry tomatoes
• 1-litre beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 150g lasagna sheets, broken into shards
• 30g parmesan, grated
• 75g mascarpone
• 10g basil leaves, torn, to serve (optional)

Cooking instruction:

Start by cooking pancetta in a large casserole dish until crisp, then remove to a bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the dish. Cook 1 roughly chopped onion, 1 roughly chopped carrot, and 1 roughly chopped celery stick until softened. Add 3 roughly chopped garlic cloves. Increase heat, add 250g beef mince and cook until browned.

Return pancetta to the pan. Add 1 tbsp tomato purée and 1 tsp dried mixed herbs. Cook for 2 mins. Pour in 400g cherry tomatoes and 1 litre beef stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Add 1 bay leaf and 150g broken lasagna sheets. Simmer for 5 mins. Mix most of the 30g grated parmesan with 75g mascarpone, and season well.

Dot the mascarpone mixture over the soup, and sprinkle the remaining parmesan. Grill for 3-5 mins until golden. Serve with 10g torn basil leaves, if desired.

Order your gas online with SimsGas

SimsGas offers convenient online gas ordering, ensuring you have the fuel to create these exceptional Heritage Day recipes. With the ease of cooking with gas, you’ll have more time to focus on the joy of preparing and sharing a delectable meal that embodies the spirit of togetherness on this special day.

Order your LPG Gas online: https://simsgas.co.za/shop/
Phone: 0861 746 7427
Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za

We will deliver to your home or business, so order today!

Johannesburg Phone: 011 494 4232
Durban Phone: 031 902 6533
Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za

Resources:
https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/potato-leek-soup.html
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/winter-vegetable-lentil-soup
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/lasagne-soup