Amish Snow Day Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for cold winter days. This soup is filled with vegetables, meat, and a creamy base that creates a rich, flavorful meal. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and provides the comforting feeling you need when it’s chilly outside. Whether you’re snowed in or just craving a filling, cozy meal, this Amish Snow Day Soup will hit the spot.
In this recipe, we combine ground meat with potatoes, carrots, and green beans, topped with a creamy broth. To make it even better, you can garnish it with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, and the leftovers are just as tasty!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup green beans (fresh or frozen), cut into small pieces
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Meat
Start by preparing the base of your soup with the ground meat.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Use a spoon to break the meat up as it cooks, making sure it gets evenly browned.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
2. Add the Vegetables
Now that your meat mixture is ready, it’s time to add the vegetables.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, corn, peas, and green beans. Allow the vegetables to cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix everything together.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings
The next step is to add flavor and bring the soup to life.
- Pour in the chicken or beef broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully covered with liquid.
- Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil.
- Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Make it Creamy
If you prefer a creamy texture for your soup, this is the step where you’ll add the richness.
- In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste, known as a roux.
- Slowly pour the roux into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to prevent clumps.
- After incorporating the roux, add the milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor). Stir it in and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy.
5. Final Touches
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you feel it needs more flavor, add more salt, pepper, or thyme. The seasoning can be adjusted to suit your preference.
- For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the soup, letting it melt into the creamy broth.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add some color and freshness.
6. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve while warm. Amish Snow Day Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy with your loved ones on a cold day.
Tips for Making Amish Snow Day Soup
Meat Substitutions
Feel free to switch up the ground meat used in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer a leaner option. You can also use ham for a smoky flavor or sausage for an extra kick of seasoning.
Vegetable Variations
This soup is highly customizable in terms of vegetables. If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, or if you want to add more variety, feel free to swap or add other vegetables. For example, celery, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions to the soup. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Amish Snow Day Soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. If you want to store it for a longer period, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if necessary.
Thickness Adjustments
If you prefer a thicker soup, the optional roux (butter and flour mixture) will help. However, you can skip this step for a more broth-based soup. If you want to skip the roux entirely but still prefer a thicker consistency, consider mashing a portion of the potatoes before adding the milk. This will help thicken the soup without using additional flour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Amish Snow Day Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and cook the onions and garlic in a pan first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender. Add the cream or milk towards the end of the cooking time and allow it to heat through before serving.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, you can use either chicken or beef broth depending on your preference. Both options will add a rich, savory flavor to the soup. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can easily make this soup spicier. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped jalapeño to the soup when you add the seasonings. Taste as you go, adding more spice to reach your desired level of heat.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables work just as well in this recipe. If you’re using fresh potatoes, carrots, and green beans, just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces. Fresh corn can also be used in place of frozen, though frozen corn is more convenient and accessible.
How can I thicken the soup without using flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or prefer not to use flour, you can thicken the soup by pureeing a portion of the soup using an immersion blender. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the soup for a thicker consistency.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can make Amish Snow Day Soup dairy-free by substituting the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and using a dairy-free milk such as almond milk or coconut milk. Skip the cheese garnish or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Amish Snow Day Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for the winter months. Its rich, creamy base combined with wholesome vegetables and meat makes it a filling and satisfying meal. Whether you’re snuggling up with a bowl for dinner or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it with family and friends, and let the warmth of this soup brighten even the coldest days!