Hearty Andalusian Party Soup
Dive into the flavors of Southern Spain with this Hearty Andalusian Party Soup, a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for gatherings or using up leftovers. Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, this large-batch soup combines the sweetness of caramelized onions, the tanginess of tomato puree, and a medley of spices to create a deeply satisfying dish. Enjoy it with various condiments that allow everyone to customize their bowls, ensuring every guest gets a personalized experience. This recipe is both versatile and practical, offering a nutritious option for any occasion while filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
33
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Olive Oil
6 tablespoons (N/A)
Onions
24 cups (Thinly sliced)
Flour
18 tablespoons (N/A)
Tomato Puree
12 cups (#10 can)
Chicken Stock
8 quarts (N/A)
Garlic
1/2 cup (Minced)
Red Wine Vinegar
6 tablespoons (N/A)
Salt
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Crushed Cumin Seeds
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Black Pepper
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Oregano
1 tablespoon (Dried)
Tarragon
1 tablespoon (Dried)
Tabasco Sauce
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Cooked Pasta (Ravioli or Tortellini)
to taste (N/A)
Garbanzo Beans
to taste (N/A)
Chopped Parsley or Cilantro
to taste (Fresh)
Croutons
to taste (N/A)
Chopped Onion
to taste (Fresh)
Tofu
to taste (Cubes)
Sausage
to taste (Pre-cooked)
Meatballs
to taste (Pre-cooked)
Bay Shrimp
to taste (N/A)
Leftover Meat
to taste (Chopped)
Sour Cream
to taste (N/A)
Lime Wedge
to taste (Fresh)
Sliced Olives
to taste (N/A)
Diced Bell Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Chopped Tomato
to taste (Fresh)
Sliced Sautéed Mushroom
to taste (N/A)
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Parmesan)
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot (minimum 16-quart capacity), melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Stir in the olive oil and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for about 1 hour, until the onions are limpy and slightly golden.
3
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and mix thoroughly to incorporate.
4
Gradually add the tomato puree and chicken stock, stirring well to achieve a smooth consistency.
5
Once combined, add the minced garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, crushed cumin seeds, black pepper, oregano, tarragon, and Tabasco sauce. Stir until fully blended.
6
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Ensure that the soup is served piping hot to keep the condiments crisp.
8
To serve, fill bowls with your choice of condiments and ladle the steaming soup on top for a delightful assembly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Andalusian Party Soup?
It is a rich, savory soup from Southern Spain featuring caramelized onions and a variety of customizable condiments, making it perfect for large gatherings.
What size stock pot is needed for this recipe?
You will need a large stock pot with a minimum capacity of 16 quarts to accommodate this large-batch recipe.
How long should I cook the onions?
The onions should be cooked slowly over medium heat for approximately 1 hour until they are limpy and slightly golden.
How many onions are required for the soup?
The recipe calls for a substantial amount of 24 cups of thinly sliced onions.
What type of stock is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 8 quarts of chicken stock for the soup base.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and choose plant-based condiments like tofu and garbanzo beans.
What provides the thickening agent for the soup?
The soup is thickened by incorporating 18 tablespoons of flour into the cooked onions before adding the liquids.
What spices are used to season the broth?
The broth is seasoned with garlic, crushed cumin seeds, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried tarragon.
Is Hearty Andalusian Party Soup spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce and black pepper, but you can adjust these to your preference.
What kind of tomato product is used?
The recipe uses 12 cups of tomato puree, which is equivalent to one #10 sized can.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined and brought to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the soup?
Two tablespoons of sugar are added to balance the acidity of the tomato puree and red wine vinegar.
How is the soup served at a party?
Fill individual bowls with a selection of condiments first, then ladle the piping hot soup over them for assembly.
Can I use leftover meat in this soup?
Yes, chopped leftover meat is highly recommended as a condiment for guests to customize their bowls.
What types of pasta are suggested as condiments?
Cooked ravioli or tortellini work exceptionally well as hearty additions to the soup.
Are there seafood options for the condiments?
Yes, bay shrimp can be served as one of the many condiment choices.
What fresh garnishes are recommended?
Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, lime wedges, and raw chopped onions are suggested as garnishes.
What proteins can I add to the soup?
Suggested proteins include sausage, meatballs, tofu cubes, and various leftover meats.
Can I add beans to this soup?
Garbanzo beans are a recommended condiment that adds great texture and nutritional value.
Which dairy toppings work best?
Sour cream and shredded cheeses like cheddar or parmesan are perfect for adding creaminess.
What vegetables can be added as condiments?
Diced bell peppers, chopped fresh tomatoes, and sliced sautéed mushrooms are all excellent choices.
How do I prevent the soup from sticking during simmering?
Stir the soup occasionally while it is simmering on low heat to ensure it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Why is the soup served 'piping hot'?
Serving it very hot ensures that condiments like cheese melt properly and the cold condiments don't chill the soup too quickly.
What vinegar is used in the recipe?
Six tablespoons of red wine vinegar are used to add a bright, tangy flavor profile.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for dried oregano and dried tarragon, but recommends fresh parsley or cilantro for serving.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce?
It adds a savory, umami depth that complements the caramelized onions and spices.
Is there a crunch factor in this soup?
Yes, you can add croutons and raw chopped onions to provide a crunchy texture to each bowl.
Can I add citrus for extra flavor?
Yes, serving with fresh lime wedges allows guests to add a squeeze of juice for a citrusy finish.
Does the recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it contains 1/2 cup of minced garlic, which provides a robust aromatic base.
Is this soup suitable for a large party?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed as a 'party soup' that yields a large volume and allows for interactive customization.