There’s nothing quite like a bowl of steaming hot soup now that the weather is getting colder. While there is a vast array of soups available in the supermarkets, it is sure to taste better when made from scratch. Soup is one of those things that is simple to prepare from scratch with minimal tools. Whether you prefer chunky vegetable, hearty minestrone, or creamy tomato soup, you’ll find recipes for every classic flavour, along with countless variations.
Chicken soup is a classic, but there is a way to make the recipe “even more delicious”, according to cooking pro Christina Manian at Simply Recipes. To make chicken soup look and taste better, it is recommended to add turmeric.
So what does turmeric do? Well, Christina pointed out that this mild spice adds a “unique, earthy, peppery, and slightly musky flavour” to the soup.
She explained that the goal is not to overpower the dish but rather to have your guests asking you, “What is that delightful flavour?” as they enjoy your recipe.
As well as adding flavour, the cook noted that turmeric gives the chicken soup a “gorgeous colour” that makes it “look impressive”.
Christina added, “This pantry staple brings out a brilliant golden hue that most people associate with chicken soup.
“The beautiful colour adds to the whole experience as we eat with our eyes first. It’s a bonus that turmeric is also super nutrient-dense.”
To use turmeric properly in chicken soups, the cook recommends “blooming” the spice. This involves heating a spice to release its essential oils, bringing out its full flavour.
Explaining the process, Christina said: “While some cooks add classic chicken soup veggies like carrot, onion, and celery raw to the hot broth, I lightly saute them before adding broth. This creates the perfect opportunity to bloom the turmeric.
“After the veggies are sauteed to my liking, I stir in my turmeric, let that cook for about a minute, then add the broth to the stockpot.”
A little turmeric goes a long way, so make sure not to add too much as its flavour can quickly turn from rich and earthy to “strong and bitter”.
Start by adding half a teaspoon, taste, then put in more as you go along, depending on your liking.