Earlier this month, as I was cleaning out my fridge I found a bag of carrots hiding out in the back and decided that they needed to be used up. My first thought was soup – followed quickly by the thought of using coconut milk in it. So, I searched for a recipe and found one that included ingredients in my kitchen: Carrot-Coconut Soup from Bon Appetit.

Carrot Soup

I pretty much followed the recipe as written. My main differences were using coconut oil instead of butter and the types of salt & pepper I used. In the soup, I used a lemon sea salt flake and my favorite Trader Joe’s Lemon Pepper grinder. As I “plated” the soup & drizzled a bit of the Thai sweet chili sauce in it, I also sprinkled flakes of a homemade chili lime salt on top.

That first bag of carrots included three colors: orange, yellow & purple. As the soup was simmering on the stove, I thought for sure I was going to end up with a purple soup. Thankfully, the whirl of the immersion blender balanced out the colors to something closer to refried beans.

This soup…wow! A tasty and tangy combination of flavors that is so, so good. That hint of the Thai sweet chili sauce is the perfect “extra” in this recipe. I thoroughly enjoyed this and have decided that this will be a “always on hand” recipe. In addition to being a great soup “as is” I also see opportunities to use it in different ways – ladle over brown rice & some cooked shrimp for a heartier meal; throw some veggies in the bowl to bulk it up and more. With business travel back in the schedule, it’s nice to know that I can count on having a simple and tasty homemade meal in short order after eating out ALL the time while on the road.

What soups are simmering in your kitchen these days?

Ah, the question of what to fix for supper? I have a small bookcase filled with cookbooks. I use Pinterest to capture “Someday Recipes” and also keep track of what actually works. The options really are endless. However, in the craziness that is life most days, I find that I appreciate having a “standard” set of recipes that are sure fire wins for simple and satisfying suppers (& leftovers for future meals).

Favorite simple suppers

•  Brussels Sprout Hash – One of my most frequent “meals” is a Brussels Sprout Hash. I first started making this on my first Whole30 experience. It’s less of a recipe & more of a framework – the specifics vary basically every time I make it. Start with melting a bit of coconut oil in a large skillet. Add a chopped onion & soften it. Add in chopped chicken sausage (or ham or bacon). Add in 1-2 peeled & diced sweet potatoes. Add a splash or 2 of liquid if pan is dry. Stir & cover for a couple of minutes until the sweet potatoes have softened. Add in shredded Brussels sprouts. Add in 1-2 peeled & diced apples. Shake in a seasoning. Stir it all together – add a splash of liquid if need be. Cover & cook for a couple of minutes. The sprouts should still be green. Serve in bowls – I like to top it with a bit of a brown or spicy mustard. The flavors get better as leftovers – makes a great reheat for lunch, too. (For Whole30, I just use water – otherwise, I’ll use beer or hard cider as the liquid which adds an extra layer of flavor)

• Lemon Chicken Florentine – A favorite dish from childhood…a simple combination of chicken, onions, spinach & turmeric; I think it’s even better cold the 2nd day.

• Italian Squash Soup – Another Artisan Mom “recipe.” Brown & drain a pound of Italian sausage. Add in 24 oz tomato sauce, a couple of zucchini & yellow squash diced, some chopped mushrooms, & Italian seasonings (basil, oregano, pepper, garlic, etc) to taste. Bring to a boil & simmer for 20 minutes.

• Chocolate Chili – Another Whole30 discovery is my new favorite chili recipe is from the great Well Fed cookbook. I frequently double the recipe & will throw it all in the crockpot once I’ve browned the meat.

• Roasted Shrimp & Veggies with Curry Aioli – A bag of frozen shrimp & whatever veggies I have on hand. Thaw the shrimp in water. Spread all on a baking sheet & drizzle with a bit of olive oil (flavored if you have it) & roast at 425 for about 12 minutes (until the shrimp are pink). Depending on the veggies, sometimes I start them about 10-15 minutes before adding the shrimp. For the Curry Aioli – mayo (homemade, if possible) with a bit of a citrus juice, some crushed garlic, a bit of curry powder – mix together & adjust to taste.

• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork – My “recipe” is to put a pork roast in the crock pot with some salt, pepper, maybe some garlic & a bottle of whatever beer or hard cider I have in the house. Low and slow for at least 8 hours. I frequently pair it with a Sriracha Coleslaw I discovered. Wrap a tortilla around the pair for a simple taco.

• And a couple of “Pin Wins” that I discovered on Pinterest…gave them a try…and liked! They are mostly guidelines for me – I think I make mods to each of them. Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs in the Crockpot; Crockpot Chicken with Apple & Sweet Potato; Slow Cooker Chicken with Balsamic Pears & Portobello Mushrooms.

This post is inspired by recent posts from Kelli & Sarah about their “in rotation” & “back pocket” meals. Thanks ladies for the nudge to share these recipes!

What are some of your favorite “Go To” recipes for a simple supper?