Hi, everyone. This is Margaux stepping in for Emily today. So happy to be here!
If you’re the holiday cruise director in your life (i.e., the one who does the bulk of the planning, shopping and cooking), I hope you’re still in your pajamas as you read this, sipping something warm and delightful IN A QUIET HOUSE (emphasis my own, and very much intended). It’s a beautiful thing you did, making magic, and I hope you got more than a robe.
Anyway, I’m tired. So I present to you five cheap, one-pot soups and stews because, at this point in December, 1. We’re broke, 2. We’re exhausted and 3. We’re cold. Most of these double and triple like a dream, so you can make a double batch and freeze one as an investment in your future happiness come February when the weather’s dreary, you (or the kids) are down with the flu and you haven’t had time to make it to the store.
1. Ham and Bean Soup
This creamy, belly-filling soup from Naz Deravian demands that you wear a wool cable knit sweater while eating it. (Kidding, but doesn’t that sound Hallmark-movie cozy?) It’s a great way to use up the leftover holiday ham, and if you’re short on time, use four cans of beans instead of dried, but go easy on the salt.
2. Gochujang Potato Stew
Packed with potatoes, kale, butter beans and a healthy kick from gochujang, this vegetarian stew from Eric Kim hits all the right notes. With five stars and nearly 1,500 reviews, it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed.
3. Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic soup from Ali Slagle is on repeat in my house. I typically make a roast chicken, then use the leftover meat in the soup the following night. Served with Samantha Seneviratne’s drop biscuits, it makes a hearty, wholesome dinner that everyone (really!) loves. Leftovers are great in a thermos for school or work lunch.
4. T’chicha (Barley and Tomato Soup)
Traditional tomato soup is never a bad idea, but for something that will stick to your ribs a bit longer, try Nargisse Benkabbou’s t’chicha, a salty-sweet tomato and barley soup from the Amazigh, or Berber, community of North Africa. It’s lovely and soothing on its own, but bolster it with chopped eggplant, zucchini, cooked chicken or beef if you’d like.
