Tired of spending hours in the kitchen crafting creamy, dreamy soups? Wish there was a shortcut to achieving that restaurant-quality richness without sacrificing flavor or freshness? Then you've come to the right place! This homemade cream soup base powder is your new secret ingredient, transforming everyday vegetables into luxurious, flavorful soups in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply elevating your soup game. This easy recipe delivers a delicious and healthy meal, making it a staple for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup powdered milk (nonfat or low-fat)
- 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion flakes
- 2 tablespoons dehydrated garlic flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried chicken bouillon granules (or vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional, for a brighter taste)
Instructions:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the cornstarch, powdered milk, onion flakes, garlic flakes, chicken (or vegetable) bouillon, parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and white pepper (if using). Make sure there are no lumps.
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Blend (Optional): For a finer powder, you can briefly pulse the mixture in a food processor or blender until well combined. This step isn't strictly necessary but ensures a smoother texture in your soups.
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Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place. This cream soup base powder has a long shelf life, making it a fantastic pantry staple.
Making Soup with Your Cream Soup Base Powder:
This powder is incredibly versatile! Here's how to use it:
- Basic Creamy Soup: Whisk 2-3 tablespoons of the powder into 1 cup of cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this slurry into 4-6 cups of hot broth (chicken, vegetable, or even homemade!) while continuously stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Add your favorite vegetables (broccoli, carrots, potatoes, etc.) during the last few minutes of cooking.
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Experiment with different dried herbs, like rosemary or oregano. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor profile further by adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste (vegan-friendly!), a teaspoon of onion powder, or some dried mushrooms.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the powder mixture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the powdered milk with a dairy-free powdered milk alternative for a vegan-friendly cream soup base.
- Different Broths: Explore different types of broth – mushroom, beef, or even coconut milk – to create diverse flavor combinations.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish your finished soup with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for a pop of freshness and color.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon of powder, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 6-8g
- Fat: 0-1g
Please note that nutritional information varies depending on the specific ingredients used.
This homemade cream soup base powder is a delicious and efficient way to elevate your soup-making skills. It is a simple yet impactful addition to your cooking repertoire, turning simple ingredients into healthy meals with minimal effort. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and creating your signature creamy soups!