CREAMY TURKEY AND WILD RICE SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 8
bones from carcass of 1 roasted turkey (or 3 lbs (1.5 kg) roasted turkey bones)
1 carrot, peeled and halved
1 onion, peeled and halved
2 celery stalks, halved
8 cups (2 L) water
2 garlic cloves, whole
1 bay leaf
3 peppercorns
3 springs thyme
1 tbsp (15 ml) salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter
½ onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
2 celery stalks, peeled and cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
1 cup (250 ml) mushrooms, quartered
2 tbsp (30 ml) flour
1 cup (250 ml) cooked wild rice
2 cups (500 ml) cooked turkey meat, roughly chopped
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
neutral oil, for frying
10 fresh sage leaves
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, add turkey bones, halved carrots, onion and celery. Add 8 cups (2 L) water, or enough to cover, and bring to a boil.
- In a piece of cheesecloth, add garlic cloves, bay leaf, peppercorns and thyme and tie together with kitchen string and add to stockpot along with salt. Simmer on low heat for about 4 hours, occasionally skimming off any fat. After 4 hours, strain and discard all solids and set stock aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, add finely chopped onions, carrot pieces, celery pieces and mushrooms. Cook until tender. Add flour and mix until thoroughly combined. Cook for 2 minutes, then slowly add turkey stock, whisking to prevent lumps. Add wild rice and turkey meat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until vegetables are soft and flavours have blended. Add cream and lemon juice and season to taste.
- While soup is cooking, fill a small saucepan with oil to about 1-in (2.5 cm). Heat over medium heat until oil reaches 300 F (148 C). Carefully fry sage until crisp.
- Serve soup in bowls and garnish with crispy sage. Serve with fresh bread.
Drink Pairings
WONTON SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 6
½ lb (250 g) ground pork
½ lb (250 g) sustainable prawns, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) chopped ginger
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped garlic
¼ cup (60 ml) finely sliced green onions, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) sesame oil
1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper
2 tsp (10 ml) oyster sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) Chinese cooking wine
1 × 1 lb (454 g) package wonton wrappers
8 cups (2 L) chicken stock
2 slices fresh ginger
6 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
1 package honshimeji mushrooms, trimmed (can substitute for mushrooms of choice)
salt, to taste
6 pieces baby bok choy
1 × 1 lb (454 g) package wonton noodles
fresh chilis, for garnish (optional)
chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- To make filling, in a large mixing bowl, add pork, prawns, chopped ginger, garlic, 2 tbsp (30 ml) green onions, cornstarch, 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper, oyster sauce and Chinese cooking wine and mix thoroughly.
- To make simple wontons, put 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) filling in middle of a wonton wrapper, wet edges of wrapper with finger and fold edges diagonally together to enclose dumpling. Continue with remainder of filling and wrappers. Wontons can be frozen at this point. Freeze in a single layer on a baking tray, then place in an airtight container or bag. Can keep up to 3 months in freezer.
- To make soup, bring chicken stock to a simmer along with 2 slices of ginger and remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce. Add mushrooms and simmer for 15 minutes, taste and add salt, if needed. Add bok choy to soup 3 minutes before ready to serve.
- Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, reserving water, and set noodles aside while cooking wontons.
- Bring reserved water back to a boil and drop wontons in 1 at a time, stirring so that they don’t stick to the bottom. Bring water back to a boil and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, until wontons float and are cooked all the way through and no longer pink inside.
- Divide noodles between 6 bowls, top with cooked wontons. Then ladle soup, bok choy and mushrooms over it. Garnish with remaining sliced green onions, fresh chilis and chili oil, if using.
Drink Pairings
PEA AND HAM SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
2 garlic cloves, whole
1 bay leaf
3 peppercorns
3 sprigs thyme
1 medium sized ham hock
8 cups (2 L) water, approximately
2 cups (500 ml) split peas
3 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
4 celery stalks, roughly chopped
2 cups (500 ml) frozen peas
1 cup (250 ml) chopped parsley
½ lb (500 g) smoked pork loin, cut or shredded into bite-sized pieces
½ cup (125 ml) crème fraîche, for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- In a piece of cheesecloth, add garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns and thyme and tie with kitchen string. Place herbs and ham hock in a large saucepan and add 8 cups (2 L) water, or enough to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, occasionally skimming off fat.
- Remove ham hock and cheesecloth from stock. Season to taste. Add split peas, carrots, onion and celery. Bring soup to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender and split peas are soft. While soup is cooking, defrost frozen peas.
- In a blender, blend half of the soup with defrosted peas and parsley. Once blended, add back to saucepan and reheat.
- In a saucepan with a bit of water, warm pork loin pieces until they are hot, about 2 minutes. Serve soup in bowls and garnish with crème fraîche, smoked pork loin and chives.
Drink Pairings
VELVET PARSNIP SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil
5 parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunks
1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped into chunks
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) salt, plus extra
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fennel seeds
4 cups (1 L) water
1 bay leaf
½ cup (125 ml) chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) pomegranate seeds, for garnish
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest, for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) raw almonds, finely chopped, for garnish
1½ cups (375 ml) unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add parsnips, fennel, onion, salt and fennel seeds. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until onion has softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add water and bay leaf. Bring soup to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Simmer until parsnips are very tender, about 30 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make garnish. In a medium bowl, stir together chopped parsley, pomegranate seeds, lemon zest, chopped almonds and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- In a blender, purée soup in 2 batches, adding half of the almond milk to each batch. Return soup to saucepan, and heat over medium-low to warm through. Serve garnished with some parsley mixture. Serve warm.
Drink Pairings
ZUCCHINI AND BASIL SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 cup (250 ml) raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour and drained
4 cups (250 ml + 750 ml) water, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) lemon zest
4 tbsp (60 ml) lemon juice, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, plus extra, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil
1 large leek, trimmed and finely diced
3 celery stalks, trimmed and finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ lbs (750 g) zucchini, trimmed and cut into half moon shapes
2 cups (500 ml) Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped, divided, plus extra for garnish
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable stock
Microgreens or edible flowers, for garnish toasted pumpkin seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine cashews, 1 cup (250 ml) water, lemon zest, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice, mustard and salt until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add leek, celery and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened but have not browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in zucchini and cook for 1 minute before adding half the basil, vegetable stock and 3 cups (750 ml) water. Bring soup to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender yet still bright green, about 8 minutes. Stir in remaining basil and remove saucepan from heat.
- Working in batches, transfer hot soup to a blender and combine until smooth. Blend in 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice and season to taste. Divide among serving bowls and garnish with cashew cream, microgreens, toasted pumpkin seeds and extra basil. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
TURMERIC AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) natural almonds
2 tbsp (30 ml) tamarind sauce
3 tbsp (45 ml) coconut oil, divided
12 sage leaves
1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) turmeric powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 x 13.5 oz (400 ml) can coconut milk
2½ cups (625 ml) vegetable stock
10 cups (2.5 L) peeled, cubed sweet potato
1 lime, juice only
Instructions
- In a small frying pan over medium heat, stir together almonds and tamarind, stirring constantly, until moisture evaporates and pan is dry, about 5 minutes. Tumble onto parchment paper and let almonds cool before coarsely chopping. Set aside for garnish.
- Wipe out frying pan, add 2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil and warm over medium heat. Carefully, as oil will sputter, add 4 or 5 sage leaves to frying pan. Fry until darkened and crispy, about 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer to a paper towellined plate to drain. Repeat frying with remaining sage leaves. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic, turmeric, paprika and salt and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside 2 tbsp (30 ml) of coconut milk in a small bowl for garnish. Add remaining coconut milk, stock and sweet potatoes to saucepan. Increase heat to high and bring soup to a boil before reducing heat to medium-low and allowing to simmer, uncovered, until sweet potato can easily be pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes.
- In a blender, purée soup in batches until smooth. Return to saucepan over low heat and stir in lime juice. Adjust seasoning, if desired.
- To serve, divide warm soup among soup bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of reserved coconut milk, some chopped tamarind-spiced almonds and a few fried sage leaves. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
CURRIED CARAMELIZED ONION AND APPLE SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
2 lbs (1 kg) yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) coarsely chopped fresh ginger
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped, plus ¼ Granny Smith Apple, sliced into thin matchsticks, for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp (15 ml) curry powder
½ cup (125 ml) white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
salt and freshly ground white pepper
½ cup (125 ml) plain yogurt, for garnish
1 tsp (5 ml) thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. Add onions, stirring occasionally until golden and caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, apples, thyme and curry powder, cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add wine or cider vinegar to deglaze. Increase heat to high and add broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 20 minutes or until apples are very soft.
- Purée soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or carefully in batches with a blender. Return soup to stockpot and simmer until hot. Stir in cream and season.
- Ladle into warm soup bowls and garnish with drizzle of yogurt, apple matchsticks and thyme leaves.
Drink Pairings
PEAR AND BEET SOUP SERVED WITH PEAR ASIAGO SCONES
Ingredients
Serves 6 as a starter
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and diced, fronds set aside for garnish
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
salt, to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium red beets, peeled and roughly chopped
3 pears, roughly chopped
4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock
¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or crème fraiche, for garnish
CRISP PEAR SLICES:
1 firm, underripe pear
PEAR ASIAGO SCONES:
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
½ cup (125 ml) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ cup (125 ml) grated Asiago cheese
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk, divided
¾ cup (175 ml) finely chopped fresh pears
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add fennel, onions and a good pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables have softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Stir in beets, pears and stock. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let soup simmer, uncovered, until beets are easily pierced with a fork, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Using either a blender or immersion blender, purée soup until smooth. Transfer back to saucepan and warm over medium-low heat. Season to taste.
- To serve, ladle soup into warm bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of about 2 tsp (10 ml) sour cream, a couple Crisp Pear Slices and a sprinkle of reserved fennel fronds. Serve with Pear Asiago Scones.
- To make CRISP PEAR SLICES: Preheat oven to 225 F (110 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside
- Using a mandoline or chef ’s knife, very thinly slice pear lengthwise and place in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour. Flip slices and continue baking until slightly darkened and edges have started to curl, another 1 to 1½ hours. Transfer to a wire rack and let stand until cool and crisp. Pear slices may be stored at room temperature in an airtight container up to 4 days. Makes about 20 slices
- To make PEAR ASIAGO SCONES: Preheat oven to 450 F (220 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut butter into flour using a pastry blender, or 2 dinner knives, until mixture is slightly sandy with pea-sized chunks of butter throughout. With a fork, stir in cheese and chives before placing mixture in freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. Once chilled, add ¾ cup + 2 tbsp (205 ml) buttermilk and chopped pears. Toss mixture together until just incorporated.
- Turn out dough onto prepared baking sheet and gently press into a 6 to 8-in (15 to 20 cm) square. Cut lengthwise into equal thirds before cutting each third into 3 equal pieces. Position scones so that they are just touching one another before lightly brushing tops of each with remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) buttermilk. Bake until golden brown, about 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for a couple of minutes before serving. Scones are best eaten same day. Makes 9 scones
Drink Pairings
SALMON AND CIDER CHOWDER
Ingredients
Serves 6
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
2 medium onions, chopped
4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 cup (250 ml) hard apple cider
8 new potatoes, sliced into ½-in (1 cm) widths
1 cup (250 ml) frozen corn kernels
1½ tsp (7 ml) dried thyme leaves
3 cups (750 ml) vegetable stock, divided, plus extra
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour or brown rice flour
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
12 oz (340 g) hot smoked salmon, skinned and broken into bite-sized pieces
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped parsley leaves or chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pot or cast-iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add hard cider, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pot with a wooden spoon, and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, corn, thyme and 2 cups (500 ml) stock. Simmer until potatoes are forktender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Whisk together milk and flour then add to pot along with remaining 1 cup (250 ml) stock. Simmer until soup starts to slightly thicken, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir cream and salmon into soup. Cook until salmon is warmed through, about 2 minutes. If too thick for your liking, thin with some more broth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Divide among serving bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or chives. Serve warm.
Drink Pairings
YAM SOUP
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 medium yams, skins on, halved
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
½ tsp (2 ml) ginger, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
½ lemon, zest and juice
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled feta cheese, for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped, for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) parsley leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- Place yams, cut side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minute to an hour, or until yams are soft. They should be caramelized on cut side.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, sweat onion, garlic and ginger in olive oil over medium heat until onions are slightly caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne and cinnamon. Cook for 5 more minutes, or until spices are fragrant.
- Peel and discard yam skins and add flesh to onions. Add stock and simmer for 10 minutes, just for flavours to combine. Carefully pour soup into a blender and cover with a lid. Carefully pulse soup until it starts to purée, blend on purée until smooth. Alternativly, you can use a stick blender.
- Wash pot and return soup to pot. Bring it back to a simmer. Add lemon juice, zest and cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Divide soup into bowls and garnish with feta cheese, nuts and chopped parsley.