Amish Snow Day Soup

Amish Snow Day Soup: A Cozy Comfort Food for Winter Days

Introduction

When the snow starts to fall and the temperature dips, there’s nothing better than a bowl of warm, comforting soup. Amish Snow Day Soup is the perfect recipe to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas while providing a hearty meal for those cold winter days.

This recipe brings together fresh vegetables, creamy broth, and rich flavors that will not only warm your body but also soothe your soul. It’s an easy-to-make soup that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It’s the kind of dish that you can customize based on what you have available in your pantry or fridge. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply looking for a simple meal to enjoy with family, this Amish Snow Day Soup is sure to be a hit.

Packed with wholesome ingredients like corn, potatoes, carrots, and celery, it’s a classic soup that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. This simple yet flavorful recipe uses a few staple ingredients to create a hearty and creamy soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 onion, diced

3 potatoes, peeled and diced

2 carrots, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (you can choose based on your preference)

2 cups of milk (whole milk or a non-dairy alternative works)

1 cup of heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)

1 teaspoon of dried thyme (this herb adds a wonderful aroma)

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but it adds a nice touch)

Instructions

Making Amish Snow Day Soup is incredibly easy and can be done with minimal effort. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a delicious and comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy in no time.

Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by washing and dicing the vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes, dice the carrots, celery, and onion. If you’re using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, simply measure out the required amount.

Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
In a slow cooker, add the corn, diced onion, diced potatoes, diced carrots, and diced celery. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir everything together to combine. This will be the base of your soup.

Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The vegetables should be tender and cooked through by the end of the cooking time.

Blend the Soup:
After the soup has finished cooking, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This step is important to achieve a creamy consistency while maintaining some texture in the soup. Blend it to your preferred level of smoothness – whether you want it chunkier or creamier is up to you.

Add Milk and Cream:
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Once heated, pour the milk and cream mixture into the slow cooker with the cooked vegetables. Stir everything together to combine.

Season the Soup:
Add the dried thyme to the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the flavors are well distributed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve and Garnish:
Once the soup is ready, serve it hot in bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your bowl of Amish Snow Day Soup!

Tips for Perfect Amish Snow Day Soup

Customize the Flavor:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. For a more complex flavor profile, try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. You can also add bay leaves or a sprig of rosemary while cooking for extra fragrance.

Thicken the Soup:
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can blend a small portion of the cooked vegetables separately and then return it to the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork to achieve a thicker consistency.

Add Protein:
For a heartier meal, you can add shredded chicken, bacon bits, or sausage to the soup. Cook the protein separately and stir it into the soup just before serving. This will not only boost the nutritional value but also enhance the flavor.

Vegan Option:
To make this soup vegan-friendly, swap the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk). Use vegetable broth for the base and skip the cream for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Make it Spicy:
If you enjoy a little spice, feel free to add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or chili powder to the soup. This will give it a delightful kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Storage and Leftovers

One of the great things about Amish Snow Day Soup is that it stores well and can be enjoyed for several days after it’s made. Here’s how you can store it properly:

Refrigeration:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

Freezing:
Amish Snow Day Soup is also freezer-friendly. If you have leftovers or want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stove, adding a little extra milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Tip:
When freezing, it’s a good idea to leave out the milk and cream initially. Instead, add these ingredients when you reheat the soup to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Amish Snow Day Soup is a filling and satisfying dish on its own, but you can pair it with several sides to make a complete meal:

Bread: Serve the soup with a warm loaf of crusty bread, such as sourdough, baguette, or dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for dipping in the creamy soup and adds a nice crunch.

Salads: Pair the soup with a simple side salad, such as a Caesar salad or a light arugula salad with lemon dressing. The fresh greens complement the rich and hearty soup perfectly.

Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great) can add a delightful richness to the soup when melted on top. You can also serve it with a side of grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic pairing.

Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives can be used to garnish the soup, adding an extra layer of freshness and flavor.

Conclusion

Amish Snow Day Soup is a comforting and versatile recipe that will warm you up on the coldest of days. Whether you’re making it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

With its creamy base, hearty vegetables, and customizable options, this soup is sure to become a staple in your winter recipe repertoire. Enjoy it with your family, friends, or as a solo indulgence, and let the simple goodness of this Amish-inspired dish bring warmth to your home.