Now that the colder weather is here, what could be better than a hearty soup to help warm you up? While plain soup can be delicious, why not elevate it with tasty toppings? Here are ten original topping ideas that will make your next meal shine and your taste buds sing!
Caramelized onions
A must when it comes to sandwiches, caramelized onions are also delicious in soup. Their sweet-and-salty flavour pairs perfectly with cream of mushroom or parsnip soup. While your soup cooks, caramelize some onions in oil over low heat for 25 minutes. Add a bit of maple syrup and keep cooking for a few minutes.
Nuts and seeds
Roasted chickpeas
Like nuts, chickpeas are a delicious way to make a vegetarian soup shine. We recommend making a large batch of roasted chickpeas, as they’re great in a variety of dishes, such as salads, plus they make a tasty snack. To make roasted chickpeas, simply rinse and dry them, coat them in olive oil and the seasoning of your choice, and cook in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 30 minutes.
Sour cream
Is your soup a little spicy? You can turn the heat down with a spoonful (or two!) of sour cream. For even more flavour, add some spices and a drizzle of lime juice. A real treat in tomato, squash, or root vegetable soup. You could also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese.
Fried potato sticks
Easy to make, fried potato sticks will add a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to all your soups! To make them, simply julienne some potatoes and fry them in oil for a few minutes. A topping that is sure to wow!
Sauteed mushrooms
Bacon
Everyone knows that bacon is a breakfast staple, but did you know that it’s also delicious in soup? Its crispy texture is fun to bite into, while its subtle smoky flavour adds depth to any dish. Simply cook it in a pan or in the microwave, chop it, and use it as a delicious topping. Don’t have any bacon in your fridge? Prosciutto is a great alternative!
Crumbled tofu
Tofu is super versatile and makes a great soup topper! For this recipe, we recommend using extra-firm tofu, for a texture that is really interesting. Start by grating the tofu, then combine with spices, 1/3 of a cup nutritional yeast, a drizzle of olive oil, cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, stirring at the halfway mark.
Flavoured oils
A classic pizza topping, flavoured oils are also delicious in soups! You can make them with spices and fresh herbs that you already have on hand. In a small saucepan, heat the quantity of desired oil and fresh herbs and spices over high heat. Let simmer three minutes then remove from the heat and let cool. Transfer the mixture to a sterilized jar containing a few cloves of garlic. Your flavoured oil will keep in the fridge for a maximum of five days.
Toasted tortillas
Instead of serving your soup with plain old croutons, we suggest using toasted tortilla strips. They’re so easy to make: after brushing your tortillas with olive oil, season them, cut them into strips, and cook in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. That’s it!
Now that soup season is officially here, all that’s left to do is let your imagination guide you. And thanks to our topping suggestions, your soups are about to be elevated to gourmet status!
