Saffron and Tarragon flavored Tortellini Soup: Weekend Herb blogging

It's been a long time I posted a proper post. Been crazily busy, nevertheless, the things in the kitchen been interesting as ever although a bit efficient :-) All this cooking should improve something, right? ;)

We could feel Fall temperatures yesterday night and a hearty soup is totally called for. It was an impromptu thing, which I made before and was not very impressed about the flavor. So, this time, after a quick search thru my spice and herb stash, found two great ingredients - saffron, tarragon - that can make any chicken dish come alive...in any season.

So, here it is. My entry for Weekend Herb Blogging # 307  brainchild of Kalyn and graciously hosted this week by Lynne from Cafe Lynnylu. I cannot believe WHB is in 300's now. Wow!! Kudos to both Kalyn and Haalo
 

What you need to make this satisfying and healthy soup:

1/2 lb tortellini - I used Barilla spinach and cheese
1/2 white onion, chopped
1 carrot, roughly chopped
1 stick celery, finely chopped (remove the rough veins before chopping)
1/2 yellow squash or zucchini, roughly slices (optional)
1 Quart low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
a pinch saffron
1 tablespoon fresh  or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
Salt and freshly ground pepper as needed

How to make the soup:

• Heat oil/butter on medium-high, add onions, carrot, celery, saffron and a little salt. Saute for a minute. Add tarragon, black pepper, saute for 30 seconds

• Add chicken broth, bring to boil. Adjust salt if needed, add tortellini. Cook for the time mentioned on the package. Add squash, cream and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to revive all the flavors). Simmer for 2 minutes
• For croutons: Instead of using store-brought bread croutons, I just removed the outer layer of a jalapeno bagel, chopped into cubes, pan-fried in a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Serve the soup topped with croutons and enjoy!

Note: This soup can be doubled, just double the ingredients. A pinch of saffron goes a long way...it is not necessary to double that.
Also, pieces of left-over rotisserie chicken (white-meat) can be added with squash pieces.

Kale and Lentils Soup

This is a nutritious soup and one of my favorites.

What you need to make this Soup:

6 cups vegetable broth
1.5 cups brown lentils
1/2 bunch Curly leaf Kale
1 tbsp butter or cooking oil
1/2 medium sized onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 stalk celery, diced
2 carrots (optional), diced
a pinch paprika or red chili powder
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
Salt to taste
A very small pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)

Prep Work:

Wash lentils well and soak for one hour. Discard this water.
Kale – Wash kale well, drain, take the veins out carefully and chop finely (not too fine)

Method:

• In a saucepan, heat butter or oil. Add bay leaves, and garlic, sauté for a minute.
• Add onions, carrots, celery, little salt and sauté for 3 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
• Add broth and lentils. Let it boil.
• When lentils are cooked halfway, add kale, paprika or red chili powder, black pepper powder, and nutmeg powder. Simmer until the lentils are well done.
• Pick and discard bay leaves.

You may serve the soup as it is with Avocado or blend it and serve as a creamy soup, garnished with a teaspoon of heavy cream.