Cooking Oils for Comforting Soups this Winter

Winter brings with it a unique charm – windy air, cosy blankets, and the aroma of hot chocolate or hearty soups wafting through the kitchen. There's something incredibly comforting about a bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Here are a few winter soup recipes that you can try to make this season to keep getting that comforting feel in the winter chills. 

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

Recipe 1: A Classic Winter Warmer

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons Saffola Gold oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red lentils
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Serves: 4-6
• Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Instructions: 

1. Heat Saffola Gold oil in a pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Introduce sliced carrots and chopped sweet potatoes, letting them cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and add red lentils. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are soft.
4. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Serve this classic winter warmer piping hot.

Recipe 2: A Vegetarian Delight for Cold Evenings

Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons Saffola Gold oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup tofu, cubed
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Serves: 4-6
• Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Instructions: 

• In a pot, heat Saffola Gold oil and sauté thinly sliced onions until golden brown.
• Add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, sliced mushrooms, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
• Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Add cubed tofu and chopped spinach to the pot. Allow them to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Stir in coconut milk, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ensure the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
• Ladle the hot and sour soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve immediately. Cherish the warmth of this winter vegetable soup!

Recipe 3: A Rich and Hearty Feast

Ingredients: 

• 4 tablespoons Saffola Gold oil
• 1 pound mutton, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups mutton broth
• 1 cup red wine
• Thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste
• Serves: 6-8
• Time: Approximately 2 hours

Instructions: 

• Heat Saffola Gold oil in a large pot. Brown the mutton cubes until golden.
• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom for flavour. Add diced carrots and potatoes.
• Pour in mutton broth and season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer on low heat for 2 hours until the mutton is tender. This rich and hearty feast is ready to be served.

Recipe 4: Quick and Comforting Soup for Busy Days

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons Saffola Gold oil
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Serves: 4
• Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Instructions: 

• Heat Saffola Gold oil in a pot, add mixed frozen vegetables and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
• Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
• Ladle into bowls and serve this quick and comforting soup on busy days.

Additional Tips for Soup Making

• Fresh Herbs: Take your soups to the next level with a handful of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, coriander and mixed herbs just before serving for a burst of flavour.
• Balance Flavours: Experiment with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to balance the flavours, especially in rich and hearty soups this winter.
• Storage Tips: Soups often taste better the next day. Store them in airtight containers and reheat gently for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve your winter soups with a slice of crusty bread or croutons for that perfect winter meal experience.

Conclusion: Gathering Around the Winter Table

As the days grow colder, embrace the warmth and comfort of healthy winter soups. Whether it's a classic lentil soup, a vegetarian delight, or a quick and easy bowl, the right cooking oils and seasonal ingredients can transform a simple dish into a heartwarming feast. So, gather around the table and share these good winter soups and cosy moments with your loved ones this holiday season. Transform your dishes with the golden touch of Saffola Gold. Try out our heart-healthy oil for a delicious and nutritious experience. Upgrade your recipes, upgrade your health. Season’s greetings!