Guess what? I had a 3-day weekend of the unexpected variety – I guess freak snowfall can be good for something!
So just to put this in perspective, the above photo was taken while the pups were looking out the front door (duh) – only see at the bottom of the door where the snow is coming up above the glass? That’s at least 22 inches off the normal ground.
Yeah. ‘Twas a lot of snow. And we didn’t have a lot of food in our house to accommodate being snowed in. All I have to say is thank goodness for a random assortment of veggies and frozen chicken breasts.
Here’s the deal though – you totally don’t have to be snowed in to make and enjoy this soup! In fact we actually do have to go in to work today and I’m already dreaming about the bowl of warmth I’ll be enjoying from these leftovers. You can custom make it for the veggies you have on hand, serve it with a sandwich (you know, if you have bread and all) and call it a success.
That’s what I did, and I don’t see anyone fighting me on it.
So today, on this chilly Monday whilst we all wait for Spring to finally show up, I’d say take 30 minutes and make this soup…you’ll be glad you did 🙂
PANTRY CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1 Russet potato, peeled and cubed
- 3-4 chicken breasts, fat removed and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 10-oz box of frozen spinach, or a couple large handfuls of the fresh stuff
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 2 Tbsp cream (evaporated milk works great too)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp curry powder (yes, you want this in there!)
Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large soup pot and saute the onions, peppers, carrots, and potato over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Push the veggies to the outside and add the cubed chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes (the chicken won’t be done, but will finish cooking as the soup simmers). Add the chicken stock and spices and bring the soup to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Once the potatoes are tender and the chicken is done, add the spinach and let simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cream/milk. Ladle into bowls and cuddle up while you devour!
Too bad it couldn’t be a 4-day weekend…but now I’m just getting selfish!
Wow, that IS a whole lot of snow! I’ve experienced snow storms before, but never quite that much at once. This soup recipe looks delicious. I’ve never been big on making my own soups just because I’m never quite sure how to go about it. This gives me good ideas on how to get started! It might also be good to add some cannellini beans as well. I’m actually just surprised you already had all of this on hand- maybe that is just because I don’t keep a lot of extra food in the house. Do you have any other soup recipes you really enjoy?
i pretty much love soup in every form…nothing super specific, but my mom makes a mean minestrone!
Your snow looks so pretty!! I’m not even going to tell you that I’ve been wearing a tank top all week…the weather has been bizarro this year!
This is the best kind of soup! The one you just ‘make’ with what you have! Sounds so delicious!
I am so jealous that you have snow! We have had the warmest winter here in Maryland, and I miss the snow. There is nothing like being snowed in and cooking/baking! This soup looks like the perfect recipe to make on a snow day, but I hope you got some rest, too! 🙂
It’s 48 today, which is totally rare… but I would close my eyes and pretend while I eat this soup!
i’m totally NOT snowed in but i want to make it happen!
Soup + snow makes me actually miss hardcore winters. Although the sun and 60 degrees we got over the weekend was pretty nice too 😉
Looks like a fabulous soup. I’m pretty sure I could survive for 2 months just eating out of the freezer(s). I’d run out of produce and eggs fairly quick, but I have an epic supply of food to fall back on.
I love that you caught the steam in your photo!
It’s like 60 degrees and sunny here…and that soup STILL looks like a great idea!
comfort in a bowl
I want to be snowed in with you to catch up…and eat this soup. 🙂
Snow! Oh dear. I’m sure you’re glad you had leftovers for this delicious soup!
I just made some soup last night!! This looks delicious 😀
Mmmmm…nothing liked warm soup and snow days. Then again, I think every snow day needs a cup of hot cocoa, too!