Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toasted Bread Bites
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Introduction:
Sink into the comfortable embrace of a hot bowl of Shepard’s Pie Soup, paired with toasted bread bites. Re-inventing a classic dish into soup form is an adventurous twist to tickle your taste buds. Soothing and dense, it is a perfect dish for those chilly nights or a comforting lunch.
Why Make This Recipe:
Shepherd’s Pie has always been a delight for all times; now imagine its splendor in a soup. This recipe calls for a wholesome and nourishing treat, loaded with flavors, a warm broth swimming with vegetables and minced meat, and topped with mashed potatoes. The toasted bread bites offer the crunch you want from a pie, making it a complete taste triumph.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toasted Bread Bites:
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground lamb or beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon rosemary
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
For the Toasted Bread Bites:
– 1 baguette, sliced into bite-sized cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Soup:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, ensure to remove the excess fat. Follow by adding the onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook these ingredients until tender for about 5 minutes. Add in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, and rosemary. Allow this to simmer for about 20 minutes. Finally, add the frozen peas and salt and pepper. Stir in the mashed potatoes until the soup is creamy.
Prepare the Toasted Bread Bites:
Preheat your oven at 375°F (190°C). Mix the baguette cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread these on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until they turn crunchy and golden.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toasted Bread Bites:
Pour the hot Shepherd’s Pie Soup into serving bowls. Top it with the toasted bread bites for an added crunch. Enjoy it hot!
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toasted Bread Bites:
You can store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Before serving, just warm it, add fresh bread bites, and serve hot.
Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toasted Bread Bites:
– Use fresh vegetables for a more delicious soup.
– You can also add other vegetables like green beans or corn as per your liking.
– Make sure that you drain the excess fat after browning the meat to avoid a greasy soup.
Variation:
You can replace lamb or beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this soup. If you’re vegetarian, you can skip the meat and add more vegetables or substitute with a plant-based meat alternative.
FAQs:
1. Can I use any other type of bread for the bread bites?
– Yes, you can use any bread of your choice. Just make sure they are toasted well for the extra crunch.
2. Can this Soup be made vegan?
– Yes, instead of meat, you can use any plant-based meat alternative, use a vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and top it with vegan cheese or a dollop of vegan cream.
3. Can I freeze this soup for later use?
– Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, for the best taste, add the mashed potatoes and the bread bites fresh when serving.