Last week I made a lentil and beef soup that was really yummy. I decided to make it again this week, enough for 2 dinners. Last week I cooked the lentils in broth but this week I forgot to buy some and made it with just water. And it isn't nearly as flavorful as last week. Today is the day we're supposed to eat it again and I'm wondering if there is anyway to spruce it up? We dont have much in the house right now but I can run to the store if need be. How do you add flavor to boring soup?
-
bouillon cube?
-
Acid - maybe red wine vinegar for your beef and lentil soup.
-
@Mamaof2: @sauerkraut: ahh thank you! I knew more salt wasn't the answer but I didn't have any other ideas!
-
I usually have decent luck with better than bouillon
-
Stating the obvious but salt and pepper to start. Then I really like lemon juice to brighten up the flavor of lentils. You could also add some garlic and celery when you are reheating and just cook until soft. Those are great stock flavors.
-
I wouldn't run out to the store for bouillon cubes, those are mostly salt anyway. If I had to make a trip, though, I'd get those Knorr Stock concentrate things (they look like gelatin cubes). Additionally, if I had it, some tomato paste would deepen the flavor.
-
@looch: I do have tomato paste! Perfect, thanks!
-
Acid is definitely the way to go. I always add it at the end of anything I make in the pressure cooker and crockpot to brighten up the flavor. Red wine vinegar and lemon juice are favorites.
-
Drizzling olive oil on top adds depth
-
I would do saute minced garlic, onions, celery and carrots and add it to the soup, simmering for 20 minutes. I would add some kosher/sea salt if necessary and add a splash of red wine vinegar. Some grated parmesan also works nicely with lentil soup.
-
@Caly: these are my go-to as well. I also like the Rapunzel brand.
-
You've probably figured something out for now but for future use I keep a tube of umami paste on hand and it's perfect for stuff like this. Trader Joe's has some for like $3 a tube and it's way more at high end kitchen stores. (Granted it may be better but this stuff is pretty good!)
-
Thanks ladies! I added tomato paste, a whole lemon, a bit more salt and some green onions I had laying around. Much much better than Monday.
@Cole: I've heard of it but haven't ever bought any. I'll look into it. I have no doubt that it could save many dinner busts for me, as I tend to under season or just completely forget lol -
@Caly: yes love that stuff
-
@Bibliolove: oooh, I'm not familiar, I'll have to check it out!
-
A dash of fish sauce or Worcester sauce might help
-
Soy sauce.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
17 comments