This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for a cozy night in for two. It’s a great base that you can customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream or coconut cream for a creamier soup
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer and blend: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
4. Blend the soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, you may need to do this in batches.
5. Cream it up (optional): Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream (if using) and heat through.
6. Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired). Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or croutons.

Tips and Variations:

• Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper, sweeter flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Cut them in half, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Creamy Tomato Soup: Use heavy cream, coconut cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier soup.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf.
• Garnish: Get creative with your garnishes! Try croutons, pesto, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of cheese.

Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato soup!

This dip is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor from the charred green onions. It’s perfect for dipping vegetables, pita bread, or even spreading on sandwiches. I make it every chance I get!

Yields: About 2 cups Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch green onions chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% is recommended for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Char the green onions: Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, garlic, and green onions. Cook the green onions for 2-4 minutes, or until they are slightly charred and softened. Don’t worry if they get a little blackened in spots – that adds to the flavor. Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool in the pan.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the green onions: Add the chopped charred green onions, oil, and garlic to the yogurt mixture and fold it to distribute evenly.
4. Taste and adjust: Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill (optional): For best flavor, cover the dip and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Serve the dip with your favorite vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumbers), pita bread, crusty bread, or crackers. It’s also delicious as a spread on sandwiches or wraps!

Tips and Variations:

• Add some heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick.
• Roasted garlic: For a deeper flavor, roast the garlic before mincing it.
• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based Greek yogurt alternative.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful green onion Greek yogurt dip!

While “soup dumpling soup” may sound a bit redundant, it’s actually a delicious and comforting dish! Here’s an easy recipe that captures the essence of those juicy dumplings in a flavorful broth:

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the broth:
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
• For the dumplings:
  • 1 (12-14 ounce) package frozen soup dumplings (pork, chicken, or vegetable)
• For serving:
  • Optional Vegetables: Add spinach or bok choy
  • Optional garnishes: chili oil, black vinegar, sesame seeds, cooked egg, crispy ginger, etc.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broth: In a medium pot, combine the broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and white parts of the scallion. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Cook the dumplings: Gently add the frozen soup dumplings to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook according to the package directions (usually around 3-5 minutes).
3. (Optional) Add vegetables: Once the dumplings are cooked through, stir in spinach or bock choy. Cook for another minute or two, until wilted.
4. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the green parts of the scallion and any other desired toppings.

Tips & Variations:

• Dumpling Variety: Experiment with different types of frozen soup dumplings, such as pork, shrimp, or vegetable.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the broth for extra heat.
• Noodle Boost: Add noodles (like ramen or rice noodles) to the soup for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Power: Throw in other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or shredded cabbage.
• Homemade Dumplings: If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own soup dumplings! There are many recipes available online.