Cream Of "Whatever" Soup
A versatile, creamy soup that can be customized with various vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for all seasons and all family members.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place diced vegetables in water and simmer until the vegetables are cooked, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove from heat.
- In a separate 2-quart saucepan, melt butter; add diced onion and saute until transparent.
- Add flour and blend well.
- Add cooked vegetables along with all broth; blend until mixture thickens.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in hot half and half.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. You can substitute the fresh vegetables with frozen ones if time is short. Consider adding herbs like thyme or dill for added flavor. For a heartier version, try incorporating cooked chicken or sausage into the mix, similar to what you might find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cream Of 'Whatever' Soup with a crusty bread or a side salad for a delightful meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or croutons for added texture. This soup pairs beautifully with Quick And Easy Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits for a comforting dinner combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth during reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of "Whatever" Soup contains roughly 1146 calories, with 14g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is versatile, so feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Just ensure they are diced into similar sizes for even cooking. For example, you might try adding zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this soup dairy-free by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using a non-dairy cream or milk instead of half and half. Coconut milk or almond milk works well to maintain a creamy texture without dairy.
How can I thicken the soup if it turns out too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by creating a slurry with additional flour and water or by simmering it uncovered to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup can help achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).