Simple Sunday Soups

This first soup, Italian Bean Soup with Pappardelle, was hearty and delicious. It was inspired by a soup from Trattoria dai Mugnai in Monteveglio, a village outside of Bologna. The second soup, Spanish Garlic Soup, was inspired by an “end of the month” meal, a “meal to make quickly with whatever is on hand and money is tight,” from José Andrés.

The recipes for these simple soups were adapted from Milk Street, the Italian bean and pasta soup from Milk Street Magazine, contributed by Rebecca Richmond, and the Spanish garlic soup from Milk Street TV, contributed by Christopher Kimball and Matthew Card.

Italian Bean Soup with Pappardelle

Yield: Serves 4

• 2 T extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 T tomato paste
• 2 to 4 medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 2 15.5 oz cans Roman (borlotti), cranberry, or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or sage
• 1 piece Parmesan rind, plus finely grated Parmesan, to serve
• 8 to 9 oz fresh or dried pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettucine, cut or broken into 2-inch lengths (see Note)
• freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon (I used a Meyer lemon)

1. In a large saucepan over medium, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 4 minutes.
2. Add the tomato paste and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and begins to stick to the pan, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the beans, rosemary, Parmesan rind (use if you have it!), 5 cups water, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then reduce to medium-low and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the beans are soft enough to be easily mashed with a fork, about 10 minutes.
4. Off heat, remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Using an immersion blender, pulse the bean mixture until creamy but not completely smooth. (see Note) (Alternatively, if transferring to a blender, let cool for 10 minutes and purée in 2 batches before returning to the pot.)
5. Bring to a simmer over medium. Add the pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (refer to the package for cooking times, but begin checking for doneness a minute or two sooner than the directions indicate). (I used dried pappardelle, broken into 2-inch lengths, and cooked it for 6 to 7 minutes.)
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with oil and top with grated Parmesan and additional pepper, as desired.

Notes:

• If you can find sheets of fresh pasta, they work nicely, too—simply cut them into rough 2-inch squares.
• Don’t puree the beans until completely smooth; leave them with some texture.

Spanish Garlic Soup (Sopa de Ajo)

Yield: Serves 4

• 6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
• 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 6 T extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra
• 4 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 oz sourdough or other rustic bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups), divided
• 6 cups water
• 2 T chicken bouillion (I used Better Than Boullion)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 T sherry vinegar

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low, combine the scallion whites, garlic and 3 tablespoons of the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to color, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Add both paprikas and cook, stirring, until fragrant and darkened, 30 seconds.
3. Add 1 cup of the bread cubes and stir well.
4. Whisk in the water and bouillon, increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally to break up bread, for 15 minutes. Whisk vigorously to ensure bread is thoroughly broken up.
5. Meanwhile, in a 12-inch skillet over medium, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, the remaining 3 cups bread, the scallion greens, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the hot broth. (It is important to do this step to prevent the yolks from curdling when added to the pot.)
7. Remove the soup from the heat. Off heat, vigorously whisk the egg yolks into the soup, then whisk in the vinegar.
8. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
9. To serve, fill individual bowls with the crouton mixture, then ladle the soup over them. Drizzle with additional oil, if desired.

Chicken Baked on a Bed of Bread & Greens

This healthy one-pot dish is for fans of greens. 🙂 I thought that it could even work as a dish to serve for a small-scale Thanksgiving feast because it incorporates bread (stuffing), greens (vegetables), and chicken (poultry). It would just need potatoes on the side- which is actually how my husband ate the leftovers. 😉 It was a pre-Thanksgiving meal for us because my crowd prefers a more indulgent feast on the big day. We did end the meal with apple pie bars.

This recipe was adapted from Food and Wine, contributed by Melissa Perello. It was inspired by chef Judy Rodgers’ famous wood-fired roasted chicken at Zuni Café in San Francisco. I kept waiting for chard to appear in my CSA box so that I could make it. This dish gobbled up all of the chard, kale, and beet greens from my share! The capers and golden raisins made the base of the dish extra delicious.

Yield: Serves 4 to 8

• 8 to 10 oz (about 1/2 loaf) day-old peasant bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (I used a pain au levain boule)
• 4 to 6 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 T salted capers, rinsed well
• 4 T golden raisins
• 1 1/2 pounds tender fresh greens such as Swiss chard, kale, spinach, or beet greens (the original recipe uses Swiss chard)
• 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 skinless bone-in chicken thighs or one 3 1/2 pound chicken, skinned and cut into 8 pieces
• fresh thyme and parsley, for garnish, optional

1. Prepare the Greens: If using Swiss Chard: Remove the stems and finely slice or chop; slice leaves in half through the ribs and cut into 2-inch ribbons. If using Kale: Remove ribs and discard; tear leaves in half and slice into 1/2-inch ribbons. If using Spinach or Beet greens: Remove stems and slice leaves into 2-inch ribbons. Wash and spin dry.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°, preferably on convection.
3. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the olive oil, capers, raisins, prepared greens, shallots, and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Spread the bread-greens mixture in a large enameled cast-iron casserole. (My pan was almost overflowing!)
5. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and arrange them over the bread. Sprinkle with dried thyme.
6. Cover the chicken with a piece of parchment paper and close the casserole with a heavy lid. Bake the chicken for 35 minutes.
7. Remove the lid and parchment paper and increase the oven temperature to 400°.
8. Bake the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until golden on top and cooked through.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve the chicken with the bread and greens, garnished with fresh herbs.

Skillet Caesar Salad Roast Chicken

Oops… I posted the skillet dessert before the skillet dinner. Now you know that I always plan dessert first. 😉

I loved the way this dish was originally described: “The only thing better than a roast chicken and a Caesar salad is a Caesar salad served with a chicken smothered in Caesar dressing and roasted until the garlic, anchovies, and mustard become deeply caramelized and flavorful.” Wow.

This fabulous, full-flavored roast chicken is from Bon Appétit magazine’s “Healthyish” column- one of my favorites. The recipe is by Molly Baz. Plating the carved chicken in the warm skillet kept the meal at a perfect temperature for serving.

For our family, the croutons were the absolute highlight. They brought a “grilled chicken Caesar salad” to the next level. 🙂 I made them using a pain au levain boule from a local bakery. I also incorporated additional romaine in the salad and garnished it with grated Parmesan. We ate the dish with roasted potatoes on the side.

Yield: Serves 4

• 8 anchovies, mashed to a paste
• 8 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 6 T mayonnaise, divided
• 1 T Dijon mustard
• 2 T extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more
• 1 3 ½–4-lb. whole chicken or 4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick; about 3 lb.)
• Kosher salt
• 8 medium shallots, unpeeled, halved lengthwise
• 1 to 2 lemons, divided
• 1 oz Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for garnish
• 4 oz country-style bread, torn into 1 ½” pieces (I used 1/4-loaf Pain au Levain boule)
• 2 to 3 romaine hearts, leaves separated, torn or sliced (I used 3 Artisan hearts)

1. Place a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 450°, preferably on convection roast.
2. Whisk anchovies, garlic, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 ½ teaspoons pepper in a small bowl.
3. Set aside 1 tablespoon of the anchovy mayo in another small bowl.
4. Pat chicken dry; season outside and inside all over with salt.
5. Arrange breast side up in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and tuck wings underneath.
6. Arrange shallots around (if using legs, nestle under and around); season with salt and pepper.
7. Brush remaining anchovy mayo all over chicken, making sure to get it into the nooks and crannies, then brush shallots with any leftover anchovy mayo.
8. Place chicken in oven so legs are facing toward the back (this is the hottest part of the oven and will help the legs cook before the breast dries out) and roast until some anchovy mayo and fat begin to drip onto shallots, about 15 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and, using tongs, turn shallots to coat in drippings. Return skillet to oven and continue to roast chicken, stirring shallots once or twice, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 155°, about 35–55 minutes. (I used an oven probe.) If skin starts to get too dark on the top before chicken is done, tent area with foil, leaving the rest of the bird exposed. If using chicken legs, start checking at 30 minutes (a thermometer inserted right at the joint should register 160°).
10. Transfer chicken and shallots to a cutting board, leaving behind any juices and fat in skillet. If shallots need more time to soften and darken, roast a bit longer without chicken before proceeding. (I did not continue to cook the shallots.) Remove the shallot peels. Reserve skillet.
11. Reduce oven temperature to 400°.
12. Finely grate half of zest of 1 lemon into a large bowl; cut lemon in half and squeeze in juice.
13. Add reserved 1 tablespoon anchovy mayo, remaining 3 tablespoons mayo, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and whisk to combine, then stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.
14. Add bread to reserved skillet with fat and turn to coat. Return skillet to oven and toast bread, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, 12–15 minutes.
15. Transfer croutons to bowl with reserved dressing. Add romaine and gently toss until lettuce is well coated. Season salad with salt and pepper.
16. Slice remaining lemon into wedges.
17. Carve chicken and nestle back into skillet or transfer to a platter; arrange shallots and lemon wedges around. Serve the chicken with the salad. Garnish with grated Parmesan, if desired.

Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Seared Halloumi & Sourdough Croutons

This is a great dish to make with wonderful September tomatoes. I used a blend of my CSA tomatoes with grape as well as Campari tomatoes. It may possibly be my daughter’s (and even my husband’s!) dream salad- loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, sourdough and fried cheese?!?! It was well received. 🙂

The recipe was inspired by a Greek horiatiki salad and is also similar to an Italian panzanella. Incorporating halloumi cheese makes it hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main course. This recipe is from The New York Times, contributed by Julia Moskin.

Yield: 6 to 8 as an appetizer or side, 4 to 6 as a main course

For the Croutons:

• 1 pound slightly stale sourdough or country bread, thickly sliced
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt

For the Salad:

• 4 to 5 cups cucumber chunks, preferably thin-skinned, such as Kirby or Persian
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 to 3 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved, or ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into chunks (I used a blend of orange cherry, grape, and Campari tomatoes)
• 8 to 12 ounces halloumi cheese
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup excellent quality extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
• 2 T thinly sliced red onion or scallions, plus more to taste
• 2 to 3 T coarsely chopped fresh mint or basil
• 2 T red wine vinegar, plus more as needed

To Make the Croutons:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut each slice of bread into 1-inch-wide strips. Tear each strip into 1-inch pieces, removing the crust as you go if it is very thick.
3. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet (or use 2 sheets, if necessary to prevent crowding). Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated.
4. Bake until golden brown and crunchy on the outside, 10 to 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet and turning the croutons halfway through so they brown evenly, and checking them every few minutes. (I baked mine for 12 minutes on convection.)
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a light sprinkling of salt, if needed. Let cool on the baking sheet.

To Make the Salad:

1. In a colander in the sink, toss the cucumbers with about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place a bag of ice cubes or an ice pack on top to chill and firm the cucumbers. Let drain while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes with about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Slice the halloumi about 1/4-inch thick, then cut into bite-size strips.
4. Smash and peel the garlic cloves and combine with 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a measuring cup to steep.
5. Pour off excess liquid from the bowl holding the tomatoes. Add drained cucumbers, red onion or scallions, fresh herbs and 2 tablespoons vinegar to tomatoes and toss well.
6. Remove and discard the garlic cloves from the extra-virgin olive oil, add the oil to tomatoes and mix well. (If desired, the salad can be made up until this point and refrigerated for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain off excess liquid in the bottom of the bowl before proceeding.)
7. When ready to serve, add about half the croutons to the salad and toss so they can absorb the liquid.
8. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar.
9. Cook the halloumi: Line a plate with paper towels and lightly coat a nonstick skillet with extra-virgin olive oil. Heat oil over medium-high until rippling. Working in batches, cook the halloumi strips on both sides until golden-brown and crusty, about 1 minute per side. Remove to the plate to drain.
10. Taste and add more croutons to salad as desired. (If there are too many, the salad will be starchy; too few, and it will be wet.)
11. At the last minute, toss in the halloumi, mix gently and serve immediately. (If desired, transfer to a clean bowl or platter for serving.)

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Sourdough & Bacon

This Food and Wine cover recipe was basically my husband’s dream dinner. He LOVED it. What’s not to like… potatoes, crispy sourdough croutons, caramelized red onions, and bacon? The chicken was just a side note. 😉 Delicious.

This recipe was adapted from Food and Wine, contributed by Justin Chapple. I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of whole chicken legs. We ate it with roasted CSA broccoli and Romanesco broccoli-cauliflower. Perfect!

• 1/2 pound sourdough boule, cut or torn into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound slab bacon, cut into 1-by- 1/2-inch lardons
• 1 large baking potato—scrubbed, halved crosswise and cut into 3/4-inch wedges
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
• 4 oregano sprigs, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• coarse salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1. Preheat the oven to 400°, preferably on convection roast.
2. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the bread, bacon, potato, onion, butter, oregano and crushed red pepper with the olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Spread in an even layer.
3. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper and arrange on the bread mixture.
4. Roast the chicken and bread mixture for about 20 minutes, then flip and continue to roast for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the chicken registers 160°
5. Garnish with minced oregano, as desired. Serve.

I’m bringing my tasty sheet pan dinner to share at Angie’s Fiesta Friday #194 this week, co-hosted by Petra @Food Eat Love and Vanitha @Curry and Vanilla. Enjoy!

One Year Ago:

• Roasted Harissa Chicken over Scalloped Potatoes

Two Years Ago:

• Jacques Pepin’s Chicken in Mustard Sauce

Three Years Ago:

• Rick Bayless’ Classic Ensenada Fish Tacos

Four Years Ago:

• Mario Batali’s Chocolate Chicken Mole

Five Years Ago:

• Smothered Pork Chops with Cornbread

Potato, Broccoli, & Cheddar Soup with Cheese Toasts

My husband likes soups that have a thicker consistency. As he loves our gold standard Cauliflower Cheese Soup, I knew that he would love this one too; I just used more potatoes to give it a heartier consistency. It was perfect. It would also be difficult to argue about eating a soup that is garnished with garlic-cheese toasts! The roasted broccoli floret topping was another bonus. 🙂

This soup is quick enough to prepare and serve on a weeknight, but is even more wonderful if made in advance. The recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart Living. I used some chicken stock for water and increased the amount of garlic, potatoes (unpeeled!), and lemon juice. I also used a sourdough baguette to make the cheese toasts instead of Italian bread. Great.

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 large shallots, halved and thinly sliced (1/4 cup)
• 6 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 pounds broccoli, stems peeled and chopped, florets cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups florets, divided)
• 1 pound small Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 packed cups grated sharp white cheddar (from an 8-ounce block), divided
• freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon, plus grated zest for serving, or to taste
• 8 slices (each 1/2 inch thick) sourdough baguette, sliced on a diagonal or 4 slices (each 1/2 inch thick) rustic Italian bread

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, preferably on convection roast.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add shallots, 4 cloves of garlic, broccoli stems, potatoes, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add stock with 3 cups water; season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add 3 cups broccoli florets; cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes more. Let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender with 1 cup cheese; puree until smooth. (I used an immersion blender instead.)
5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Stir together remaining cheese and garlic. Place bread on one side of a rimmed baking sheet, and remaining broccoli florets on other. Drizzle both with oil; season with salt and pepper. Top bread with cheese mixture.
7. Roast broccoli and cheese toasts for 15 minutes, tossing florets halfway through.
8. Serve soup topped with toasts, florets, and zest, as desired.

One Year Ago:

• Creamy Corn Chowder
• Greens & Cheese Quesadillas

Two Years Ago:

• Lobster & Corn Chowder

Three Years Ago:

• Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder

Four Years Ago:

• Mushroom, Leek, & Wild Rice Soup
• Zucchini-Leek Soup with Creme Fraiche & Cilantro
• Roasted Cauliflower & White Bean Dip

Five Years Ago:

• Cheddar Corn Chowder
• Classic Split Pea Soup

Bucatini with Roasted & Fresh Tomatoes

This is a wonderful seasonal dish to make with summer tomatoes. It was especially fabulous with my new favorite pasta, bucatini, too. We ate it warm but it could also be enjoyed at room temperature. The crunchy, cheesy croutons really added something special.

I used store-bought ricotta as a shortcut, but included a link to freshly made ricotta below. This recipe was (very slightly) adapted from Martha Stewart Living. Quick and delicious!

Yield: Serves 4

• 1 pound grape or cherry tomatoes (3 cups)
• 7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 slices rustic bread, crusts removed, torn into small pieces (1 1/2 cups) (I used Trader Joe’s Tuscan Pane)
• 1/4 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano (1/2 ounce), plus more for serving
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into a 1/2-inch dice (2 cups)
• 1/4 cup packed shredded fresh basil, plus sprigs for serving
• 3 tablespoons shredded fresh mint, plus sprigs for serving (I omitted the mint)
• 12 ounces bucatini, spaghetti, or linguine
• 1 cup fresh ricotta

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, preferably on convection.
2. In an 8-inch square baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes with 3 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast until bursting and charred in spots, 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet, toss bread with 2 tablespoons oil and Pecorino Romano; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, about 12 minutes.
4. Toss diced tomatoes, basil, and mint (if using) with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta; cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup liquid; drain.
6. Return pasta to pot; toss with roasted tomatoes, their oil, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. (Tomatoes should coat pasta but not create much of a sauce.) Season with salt and pepper.
7. Divide among plates, then give each a dollop of ricotta, a spoonful of fresh-tomato mixture, and a sprinkle of croutons.
8. Serve, garnished with a sprig or two of herbs, a generous drizzle of oil, and some cheese and pepper.

One Year Ago:

• Fresh Tomato Sauce

Two Years Ago:

• Summer Pasta with Zucchini, Basil, & Ricotta
• Pappardelle with Mashed Peas & Pecorino

Three Years Ago:

• Spinach & Ricotta Pappardelle
• Herbed Ricotta Pasta with Corn & Zucchini

Four Years Ago:

• Mini-Farfalle with Zucchini & Parsley-Walnut Pesto
• Panzanella with Ricotta