COMFORT SOUPS FOR COLD WEATHER

As the winter months set in, one of the best things on a cold day is a tasty soup to warm you up. We want to share some of our favorite cold-weather recipes that may just provide the comfort you’re seeking this season!

Winter Country Soup

On the coldest days of winter, having an easy comfort food recipe to whip up and enjoy is something we can all be thankful for. Winter country soup makes for a hearty meal on even the coldest of days. This recipe yields 12 servings, or about 3 quarts of soup – making it a wonderful standalone dish, or healthy start to a meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 package of smoked sausage cut in ¼ inch slices
• 1 large sweet red pepper cut into ½ inch pieces
• 8 cups of chopped fresh kale
• 8 shallots chopped
• 3 cups of frozen corn
• 1 can of great northern beans rinsed and drained
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of pepper
• 8 cups of vegetable broth
• ¾ cup of uncooked orzo pasta

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the butter over medium heat and sauté the sausage, pepper, and shallots until browned
2. Add kale to the pot and cover it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the kale to wilt
3. Stir in the vegetable broth, corn and beans and bring the pot to a boil
4. Allow the pot to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes 
5. Return the pot to a boil and stir in the orzo, allowing it to cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender, making sure to stir it occasionally 

(Two-Way) Italian Style Winter Soup

Italian style soups are known for being rich and hearty, but we like them best on cold winter days. They also provide a great way to enjoy a classic favorite, Uncle Charley’s Italian sausage. Whether you choose to spice things up or keep things sweet when the temperature drops, follow this recipe to make 12 servings for yourself and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons of chopped onion
• 4 links of Uncle Charley’s (Hot or Sweet) Italian sausage
• 8 cups of chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon of dried basil
• ¼ cup of fresh parsley chopped
• 2 cups of uncooked white rice
• ½ cup of heavy cream

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot on medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion for 3 minutes or until tender. Brown the sausage in the same skillet for about 5 minutes
2. Add the chicken stock, oregano, basil, and parsley to a pot and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the pot to low heat and simmer for 1 hour
3. Add the rice to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes
4. Once the rice is cooked, add the cream stirring well. Remove the pot from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving

And there you go! Comfort awaits ☺️