I’m super excited to launch a new video series: “How to Cook Soup – Home Cooking 101.” This is more than just a cooking show; it’s a journey I’m inviting you on, teaching you to cook from Friend to Friend.
My goal is to demystify the kitchen and sprinkle a little fun into the mix, especially for those who might feel a bit lost among pots and pans or those simply looking for a helping hand to whip up something delicious.

Growing up as an only child in Southeast Asia, the kitchen was somewhat of a forbidden kingdom for me. My parents, bless their hearts, were a tad overprotective, keeping me at arm’s length from anything that sizzled, chopped, or boiled. Plus, with the convenience and affordability of eating out, cooking at home seemed like an ancient art.

But as life would have it, my journey took an unexpected detour when I found myself in Switzerland, enrolled in a hotel management program. There, “Kitchen” wasn’t just a place; it was a class—a plunge into the deep end of traditional French cuisine where I got my first real taste of cooking, teamwork, and the magical dance of flavors and ingredients.

Fast forward through the years, marriage, and kids later, cooking became my domain, my daily challenge, and eventually, my passion. Despite being a self-proclaimed foodie who’s tasted the wonders of the world from high-end restaurants to hidden street food gems, my culinary skills were, let’s just say, a work in progress. There was this one time I attempted boxed mashed potatoes, and oh boy, let’s just say it could’ve doubled as wallpaper paste. Yes, it was that disastrous. But hey, we live, we laugh, and we learn, right?

Over nearly 15 years, what started as necessity evolved into a craft. I’ve become a self-proclaimed professional home cook, navigating the kitchen with ease, improvising dishes without the crutch of recipes, and now, I’m eager to share this knowledge with you. From the mishaps to the masterpieces, I’ve learned that cooking is not just about feeding the body but also nourishing the soul with love, creativity, and a dash of daring.

I’m no professional chef, but who says you need a title to create mouthwatering meals? Join me as we explore the simple joys of cooking, starting with the basics of making a heartwarming soup. Whether you’re a novice needing guidance or a seasoned home cook looking for inspiration, I’m here to share what I’ve learned, one delicious spoonful at a time. Let’s turn the heat up and get cooking!

Dive into the comforting world of homemade soups with our easy-to-follow guide, “How to Cook Soup – Home Cooking 101.”

Whether you’re a novice aiming to master the basics or an experienced cook looking to rediscover the joy of cooking from scratch, this guide is tailored just for you. With a focus on simplicity, versatility, and flavor, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to crafting a homemade soup that not only feeds the body but also soothes the soul. Let’s gather our ingredients and prepare to stir up something truly magical.

Watch our full video showing you step by step how to make good soup at home without using a recipe or measurements below:

Steps to making homemade soup

Step 1: What’s in the Pantry?

Start by exploring the treasures within your pantry and fridge. Look for any fresh or wilting veggies, your favorite plant-based proteins (think beans, tofu, tempeh), and any grains or noodles. This step is all about creativity and working with what you’ve got to make something beautiful and nourishing.
Also knowing how ingredients taste like when cooked or how they cook is important too for example, you may know that carrots or cabbage will add sweetness to your dish, pasta can thicken things, do you want to pre-cook your pasta before adding to the soup? Do I want to roast my tofu or chickpeas in the oven to add texture to the soup? Thinking about these things can make a total difference.

Step 2: Mastering the Mirepoix

Mirepoix (pronounced “meer-pwah”) is your soup’s flavor foundation, a classic French technique that combines finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. This trio dances together to create a deep, aromatic base for your soup. A little history: mirepoix was named after Duke de Mirepoix, a French aristocrat from the 18th century, who, funnily enough, probably never chopped an onion in his life. But his cook sure did, and in doing so, gave us this essential cooking staple.

As a general rule of thumb, most cuisines you make will start with onions (perhaps shallots), garlic, ginger peppers, carrots, celery, these are simple vegetables build a well rounded profile in the end.

Step 3: Season your base

As you sauté your mirepoix, begin to build the soup’s flavor profile, add a few pinches of salt. Remember, we’re painting with flavors here, and every layer adds depth.
As you layer your salt, you won’t lack at the end but remember don’t go overboard. You can always add more salt but never take away!

Step 4: Spice It Up

Select spices and herbs that align with the direction of your soup. Are you leaning towards a hearty Italian stew, or perhaps a vibrant Thai broth? Toasting these spices slightly before adding your liquids can unlock their full aromatic potential, enveloping your kitchen in mouthwatering scents.
Another thing about seasoning is, it all depends on the type of cuisine you’re making! Generally speaking, Italian seasonings (which is a mix of thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, oregano) is used in many western cuisines. Do some research and find what foods you love best and what seasonings are generally in that specific cuisine!

Step 5: Star Plant-Based Ingredients

Now’s the time to add your star veggies and plant-based proteins. Whether you’re aiming for a chunky vegetable stew or a silky-smooth blended soup, keep your cuts consistent for even cooking. This step is less about perfection and more about intention.

Step 6: Salt with Care

Continue to layer your seasonings, but be mindful of your salt usage. It’s easier to add than to subtract, so season conservatively, taste often, and adjust as needed.

Step 7: Add Water or Vegetable Broth

Pour in enough water or vegetable broth to cover your ingredients by about 1 to 1.5 inches. This will ensure all your ingredients are submerged and have enough liquid to meld together into a harmonious soup.

Step 8: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Once everything’s in the pot, bring your soup to a boil. This kicks off the cooking process. Then, lower the heat to let it simmer gently. This slow cook is where the magic happens, marrying all the flavors together.

Step 9: Pre-taste for Seasoning

Give your soup a preliminary taste. Remember, the flavors will intensify as the soup cooks down, so tread lightly with additional seasonings, especially salt.

Step 10: The Low and Slow Simmer

Let your soup simmer on low, allowing the ingredients to fully soften and the flavors to deepen. This step is about patience—the longer, the better, but always keep an eye on your desired texture and taste.

If you don’t have a lot of time, boil your soup at a higher temperature for less time to help condense it faster – but keep your eye on the water levels so your soup does not burn!

Step 11: Soup Consistency

Decide on your soup’s final texture. Use a masher for a rustic, chunky texture, or blend with a hand blender for smoothness. If you prefer a brothier consistency, you might not need to adjust at all.

Step 12: Final Taste and Adjust

Before serving, conduct a final taste test. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind the balance of flavors and the concentration of ingredients.

Step 13: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor kick. Each bowl is a canvas for your culinary creativity.

And there you have it, a plant-based guide to crafting delicious, comforting soups that warm the soul and delight the taste buds, all while honoring the earth and its bounty.

Soup’s Up: Cooking with Heart

And that’s a wrap, folks! Making soup isn’t just about stirring a pot; it’s like giving a big, warm hug with food. This isn’t just about recipes; it’s about throwing together what you’ve got, making something tasty, and doing good for the planet all at the same time. Whether you’re a wizard in the kitchen or just starting out, making soup is one of those adventures where you end up with a delicious reward at the end.

Going for those plant-based vibes isn’t just about eating your greens; it’s a whole new world of yum and doing your bit for Mother Earth. Remember, cooking is all about putting your love on a plate (or in a bowl, in this case). There’s no magic formula, just your own flair and a splash of creativity.

So, grab your spoon, share the goodness, and dive into the simple joy of making and enjoying great soup. It’s all about feeling good, eating well, and sharing the love—one spoonful at a time. Let’s keep cooking fun, full of flavor, and friendly for our planet. Cheers to more homemade soups and happy times around the table!