The Art of Maine Homemade Soup | Geddy’s
Brighten-up those cold and gloomy winter days with homemade soup. After all, there is nothing better than a bowl of piping hot soup to warm you up from head-to-toe. So, come get cozy with us as we explore some of our favorite heartwarming dishes for this time of year … and share some cooking tips. Just remember the Cardinal Rule. Soup is a slow cook … not to be rushed!
1) Geddy’s French Onion Soup
Originating in 18th Century France, French Onion Soup consists of beef
broth and caramelized onions. The soup is typically topped with a toasted
crouton covered with cheese and, then, broiled. You are sure to enjoy this
delicious French Onion Soup recipe!
Tip: For the best flavor, broth soup should be made with a homemade
stock or a high-quality canned broth.
2) Geddy’s Lobster Bisque, Famous in Maine
Also of French origin, lobster bisque is a rich, smooth and creamy soup
served with a dash, or two, of sherry and garnished with fresh lobster meat
and herbs. Enjoy this much loved elegant bisque … and Maine favorite!
Tip: Be sure to add cream, warmed, to avoid curdling.
3) New England Clam Chowder – Maine‘s Favorite Soup
Clam chowder is another soup of French origin. Most likely, it was
introduced by the French or Nova Scotian settlers in the 18th century.
However, unlike lobster bisque, New England Clam Chowder is a thick and
chunky soup, typically made from a potato base. Feel like a Mainer with
this classic homemade soup, New England Clam Chowder recipe!
Tip: Start with a roux of onion, garlic, celery and carrots sauteed in oil/butter and build upon the flavors.
4) Bar Harbor’s Tomato Soup
One of the most popular comfort foods in the United States, Tomato Soup is
a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, pureed or chunky. It is often
paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, making it a popular choice for
comfort during the winter months. So, come get cozy with us, as we enjoy
this creamy Tomato Soup recipe!
Tip: Salt sparingly and season with salt and pepper to taste at the end.
5) Special Chicken and Vegetable Soup for Maine Winter Nights
Chicken Soup is touted as the ultimate in comfort foods and frequently
served as a popular remedy for colds and influenza. There are multiple
variations of flavors – depending on the selection of vegetables, spices,
noodles or rice. So, check-out this classic favorite recipe … and make it your
own!
Tip: Select high-quality chicken and the freshest vegetables – staggering
ingredients so that they finish cooking together, as close as possible.
6) Cream of Mushroom Soup in New England
This time of year, one of my favorite soups is Cream of Mushroom. With its
origins from the French Béchamel and Italian Salsa colla sauces, the
smooth and creamy soup is often referred to as “America’s béchamel.”
So, indulge in the essence of mushrooms with this fabulous recipe for
making the perfect pot of soup!
Tip: A long slow caramelization is the key to unlocking the mushroom flavor.
7) Butternut Squash Soup from Bar Harbor
Squash Soup is part of Northern African cuisine. In the United States,
Butternut Squash is commonly used for soup and is a popular choice for
Thanksgiving feasts. Warm up your fall or winter with this wonderful
Butternut Squash Soup recipe!
Tip: Try using butter in lieu of cream for a richer taste.
8) Green Pea Soup
Originating from the ancient Greeks and Romans, pea soup was
introduced to the United States by French-Canadian mill-workers in New
England in the 19th Century. It is a popular American tradition, packed with
flavor and nutrition. Try this creamy lip-smacking recipe!
Tip: Simmer, simmer, simmer …
9) Corn Soup in Bar Harbor
Given that corn was a staple crop for Native American Indians, Corn soup
became a popular dish in Native American cuisine. A New England
favorite, Corn Chowder is a variation of the original dish. It is a thick
cream-based soup, similar to Clam Chowder – substituting clams for corn.
Highlight the taste of sweet corn with this yummy recipe!
Tip: When adding fresh herbs, use a spice bag for flavors to avoid the herbs from browning afterwards.
So, satisfy your hunger with a piping hot bowl of homemade soup for those chilly winter days. Try these comforting heartwarming recipes – the perfect meal after a day outdoors in Acadia National Park. They are sure to warm the soul!
Don’t feel liking cooking? Come join us for New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, French Onion Soup and more at Geddy’s. Re-opening for the 2020 season on Thursday, March 5th. See you then!
Bon Appetite, 🙂
Heather