Savor the deep embrace of our Eggplant Supper Soup, an evening rendezvous in a bowl! Luscious eggplant, steeped in a symphony of aromatic spices, takes you on a twilight journey to a Mediterranean bazaar. With each sip, discover layers of flavors, from smoky to subtly sweet. This soup is more than just a dish; it’s a narrative of dusky evenings, starlit conversations, and a love affair with the exotic. Let every bite serenade your senses!
Eggplant: a humble vegetable, yet a powerhouse in the kitchen. Many overlook its potential. Not today. We dive deep into a rich, comforting Eggplant Supper Soup. A symphony of flavors awaits.
Warm, hearty spoonfuls elevate your dinner experience. Each ingredient harmonizes with the eggplant’s subtle, velvety texture. Fresh herbs play their part, enhancing the soup’s depth.
A dance of spices tickles the palate. With every sip, nostalgia embraces you, reminding you of home-cooked wonders. Dive into this masterpiece. Experience the unexpected magic of eggplant in a bowl.
Your supper scene just found its star. Join us on this gastronomic journey. Let’s celebrate the beauty of transformed simple ingredients.
What Is Eggplant Supper Soup?
Eggplant Supper Soup is a hearty, warming dish starring the velvety texture of eggplants. Blended with aromatic herbs and spices, it offers a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Often enjoyed as a main course, this soup embodies the richness of eggplants, complemented by other fresh ingredients. It’s more than just a soup; it’s an ode to the versatility of the humble eggplant, turning a simple vegetable into a sumptuous meal experience.
Can You Vary Eggplant Supper Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients?
- Keto Swap macaroni for zucchini noodles and use high-fat meat like pork or lamb.
- Paleo Omit the macaroni and cheese. Opt for grass-fed beef and use fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
- Gluten-Free Substitute macaroni with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or chickpea pasta.
- Whole30 Skip sugar, macaroni, and cheese. Ensure the beef broth and diced tomatoes are compliant and free from additives.
- Vegetarian Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils for a meaty texture without the meat.
- Vegan Along with the vegetarian swaps, omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Recipe Directions
Sizzling Beef, Onion, And Garlic
- Heat oil until it sizzles, setting the stage for an aromatic fusion of beef, onion, and garlic.
- Experience the explosion of flavors that forms the dish’s foundation.
- Vibrant Vegetables
- Invoke the senses with descriptions of earthy eggplant, vibrant carrots, crisp celery, and plump tomatoes.
- Each vegetable adds a distinct dimension to the overall masterpiece.
Infusing Beef Broth And Seasoning
- Witness the merging of ingredients as beef broth cascades and melds them.
- Sugar balances flavors; nutmeg, salt, and pepper deepen the taste.
- This step intricately weaves layers of flavor and aroma.
Cooking Al Dente Macaroni
- Macaroni, a textural marvel, absorbs broth’s essence.
- Cook until al dente, adding chewiness and texture.
- Parsley’s Vibrant Inclusion
- Fresh parsley bursts forth, painting color and herbaceous notes.
- Its addition is the final stroke elevating the dish’s allure.
- Presentation and Parmesan Prestige
- Anticipation brims as the dish is elegantly served.
- Grated Parmesan crowns, bestowing rich, savory splendor.
Harmonious Flow And Aura
- A journey unfolds, from browning to artful presentation, crafting a seamless culinary tale.
- Engage senses with evocative language, guiding imagination through the cooking and savoring adventure.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Asian Twist: Add ginger, lemongrass, and replace beef with tofu for an Eastern touch.
- Mediterranean Muse: Incorporate olives, capers, and replace beef with lamb.
Add-Ons
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, lentils, or shredded chicken for more protein.
- Greens Galore: Stir in spinach or kale for a nutrient kick.
- Grain Game: Consider barley, quinoa, or rice for added texture and heartiness.
Toppings
- Crunch Factor: Garnish with toasted pine nuts or croutons.
- Creamy Contrast: A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds richness.
- Zest Zap: Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Herb Heaven: Basil, cilantro, or dill can enhance the soup’s aroma.
Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker
- Brown beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add eggplant, carrots, celery, tomatoes, beef broth, sugar, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add macaroni.
- Stir in parsley before serving. Garnish with Parmesan.
Instant Pot
- Use the sauté function to brown beef, onions, and garlic.
- Add the other ingredients, excluding macaroni.
- Seal and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure, add macaroni, and use the sauté function until it’s al dente.
- Mix in parsley and serve with Parmesan.
Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
Store-Bought Broth
- Convenience: Quick and ready-to-use, it’s ideal for impromptu meals.
- Variety: Available in various flavors (beef, chicken, vegetable) and dietary considerations (low-sodium, organic).
- Consistency: Offers a predictable flavor, aiding in consistent dish outcomes.
Homemade Broth
- Flavor Depth: By controlling ingredients, you can achieve a richer, more personalized taste.
- No Additives: Free from preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors common in commercial broths.
- Cost-Effective: Can be made from kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and meat bones.
How To Serve ?
- Temperature: Serve hot. Reheat gently if it has cooled down to ensure flavors are vibrant.
- Bowl Selection: Use deep bowls to retain warmth and allow for easy stirring.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Side Choices: Offer crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping and absorbing the rich flavors.
- Accompaniments: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness.
- Aroma: Stir the soup right before serving to release its warm and inviting aroma.
- Portioning: Use a ladle to serve, ensuring each bowl gets a mix of ingredients.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Crusty Bread: For dipping and soaking up the soup’s flavors.
- Caesar Salad: Crispy greens with a tangy dressing balance the soup’s depth.
- Bruschetta: Tomato, basil, and garlic on toasted bread add a Mediterranean touch.
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus offer a charred contrast.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can be a delightful accompaniment.
- Couscous Salad: Light, fluffy, with herbs and lemon zest.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base and cook the eggplant in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Cool the soup base and ingredients completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add cooked eggplant just before serving to maintain its texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Adjust seasoning with additional herbs and spices before serving.
- Garnish Fresh: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped mint upon serving for added freshness and flavor.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Pasta Bake: Mix leftover soup with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill hollowed peppers with the soup, sprinkle with cheese, and roast.
- Rice Enhancer: Stir into cooked rice or quinoa for a quick, flavorful risotto-style dish.
- Eggplant Lasagna: Use the soup as a layer in a lasagna dish, alternating with pasta sheets and cheese.
- Thickened Stew: Reduce on the stove, add chunky veggies or proteins, and serve as a hearty stew.
- Bruschetta Topping: Spoon onto toasted bread slices for a flavorful bruschetta.
TIPS
- Roast Eggplant:Â Enhance flavor by roasting eggplant until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Flavorful Base: Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil for a robust soup base.
- Tomato Addition:Â Incorporate diced tomatoes or tomato paste for depth of flavor.
- Herb Infusion:Â Add herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for Mediterranean flair.
- Creaminess Factor:Â Finish with a swirl of cream or coconut milk for richness and creaminess.
30-Minutes Eggplant Supper Soup (A Nutrient Rich And Tasty Recipe)
4
servings20
minutes30
minutes200
kcalEggplant Supper Soup is a hearty and savory blend of beef, eggplant, and a medley of vegetables, seasoned with aromatic spices and complemented by macaroni. This soup offers a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon 1 Vegetable Oil
1 1 Onion, Chopped
1 Pound 1 Ground Beef
1 Clove 1 Garlic, Crushed
1 Pound 1 Eggplant, Diced
3/4 Cup 3/4 Carrots, Sliced
3/4 Cup 3/4 Celery, Sliced
14.5 Ounce 14.5 Italian Diced Tomatoes, Drained
14 Ounce 14 Beef Broth
1 Teaspoon 1 Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Grond Nutmeg
1 Teaspoon 1 Salt
1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Ground Black Pepper
1/2 Cup 1/2 Dry Macaroni
2 Teaspoon 2 Fresh Parsley, Chopped
1/2 Cup 1/2 Grated Parmesan Cheese
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preparation Steps
Gather all ingredients. Dice eggplant, slice carrots and celery, chop onions, and crush the garlic clove. - Cooking
In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, ground beef, and crushed garlic to the skillet.
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef browns evenly.
Once browned, carefully drain the excess grease from the skillet.
Stir in the diced eggplant, sliced carrots, celery, and drained Italian diced tomatoes. - Blending
Pour the beef broth into the skillet, ensuring it covers the ingredients.
Mix in the sugar for a hint of sweetness.
Season the soup with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and stir thoroughly. Allow the soup to heat through. - Final Touches
Once the soup is heated, add dry macaroni into the mixture.
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente (firm to bite).
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley to infuse the soup with its aromatic flavor. - Serving
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Generously top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. - Additional Options
For added richness, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream. For vegetarians, replace beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth. Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. - EQUIPMENT LIST
- Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Colander
- Ladle
- Grater
- Airtight Containers
- Immersion Blender (optional)
Notes
- Adjust the amount of broth to your liking for a thicker or thinner consistency.
- The soup’s flavors often deepen and improve when stored overnight, making it great for meal prep.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the meat, are fully cooked before serving.
- The recipe can easily be halved or doubled based on the number of servings needed.
- Experiment with other veggies or herbs for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Opt for low-sodium broth for those watching their salt intake and adjust seasonings accordingly.