As the autumnal weather sets in, we turn to warming dishes to help us add a cosy feel to the season. Searches for ‘soup recipe’ recently hit a 90-day high, so it's clear that soup is top of many home cooks’ autumn menus.

For those looking to make the most of soup-making season, Kevin Bonello, Executive Chef at The Grand, York, shares three tips to take your soups to the next level.
As the autumnal weather sets in, we turn to warming dishes to help us add a cosy feel to the season. Searches for ‘soup recipe’ recently hit a 90-day high, so it's clear that soup is top of many home cooks’ autumn menus.

For those looking to make the most of soup-making season, Kevin Bonello, Executive Chef at The Grand, York, shares three tips to take your soups to the next level.

Start with the right base

Every good soup starts with a hearty and flavourful stock, to which meat, vegetables and seasonings can then be added.

Kevin says, “I enjoy the process of making soup from scratch, and for me, that includes the ritual of simmering and reducing down ingredients to make a stock to use.

Personally, I would not choose a shop-bought stock because of this; however, there are many good quality stocks on the market which are great for those short on time or who want to simplify their recipes.”

Choose ingredients that are in season

Autumn harvests mean that an abundance of seasonal produce is available in the UK, perfect for adding to soup. Pumpkins, leeks, carrots, beetroot, butternut squash and mushrooms are just some of the seasonal foods best eaten at this time of year.

Kevin explains, “Using ingredients which are in season is a must for a truly delicious soup, and these need to be as fresh as possible. Fresh seasonal produce contains the most flavour and, when combined with the right seasoning, creates a perfect and inviting bowl of soup that you can’t help but dip your spoon into.

If you are using the freshest and most flavourful ingredients, the flavours will speak for themselves, and artificial additives and flavour enhancers are not needed.”

Don’t avoid fats

Whilst it may be tempting to steer away from adding fats into a soup for the health benefits, this can actually completely change the flavour and texture.

Kevin says, “When it comes to soup, its consistency is crucial – a creamy soup should never be watery! By adding an extra source of fat, such as butter or olive oil, you can give your soup an extra thickness and richness to keep its texture feeling smooth and velvety.

Giving the soup the right amount of time to simmer can also ensure the right consistency and help to bring out every flavour to its fullest.”

Once you’ve made your delicious pot of soup, Kevin has one final piece of advice:

Always serve a hot soup hot - a lukewarm soup risks losing its depth of flavour and ruining all of your hard work!