Effortless Cream Soup Recipes: Freeze for Quick Meals
For many, soup is more than just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl, a source of warmth, and even a "safe food."
If you’re like me, you might find that certain dishes, particularly cream soups, provide a sense of security, especially during overwhelming times. Today, I'm excited to share my approach to making these delightful soups in bulk and freezing them for easy access. And who knows? This might just change how you think about meal prep!
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The Importance of Having "Safe Foods"
What Are Safe Foods?
For those of us who find certain textures or flavors comforting—like cream soups—the term "safe foods" is essential. Safe foods can help mitigate anxiety, making mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable. They provide a sense of regularity in what can sometimes feel like chaotic days.
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Why Cream Soups?
Cream soups are rich, flavorful, and versatile. They can serve as a base for a multitude of dishes or stand alone as a meal. Plus, they can be customized to fit a variety of tastes and preferences, making them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy something familiar and soothing.
The Process: Batch Cooking and Freezing Soup
Step 1: Choose Your Favorite Cream Soup Recipes
Before you dive into meal prep, choose a few cream soup recipes that you love. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to get you started:
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Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2: Cooking the Soup
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Sauté Your Ingredients: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms, and sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
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Make a Roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Stir to combine, cooking for another 2 minutes.
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Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
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Add Cream: Once your soup base has thickened, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until creamy.
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Step 3: Freezing for Later
Using Ice Cube Trays
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Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
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Fill Ice Cube Trays: Pour the cooled soup into giant ice cube trays (which are perfect for portioning!). Each cube roughly holds one cup, making it easy to measure out servings later.
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Freeze: Place the trays in the freezer for a few hours until the soup cubes are solid.
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Store: Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in freezer bags or airtight containers. Be sure to label them with the date and type of soup for easy identification.
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Step 4: Reheating Your Soup
When you’re ready to enjoy your comforting soup, simply toss a couple of cubes into a pot or microwave them. In minutes, you have a warm meal that's as good as freshly made!
Meal prepping can feel daunting, but by preparing cream soups in batches and freezing them, you can take the stress out of cooking on those busy or overwhelming days.
With just a few simple recipes, some ice cube trays, and a little planning, you can always have your "safe foods" ready and waiting.
Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, so take your time and savor the process!
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