What is the essential equipment I need to make soup?
Homemade soup is one of the nicest things; tasty, nutritious and easy to make. The right equipment can make the process smoother, more efficient, and enjoyable…it will also save you time, as making soup doesn’t have to be a lengthy process! I have chosen 10 pieces of equipment you’ll need to make a wide range of soups, from basic broths to hearty stews.
A stockpot is an essential tool for soup-making. It’s a large, deep pot with high sides that allows you to cook soups in large quantities. A typical stockpot ranges from 5 to 8 litres in size. However, depending on how many you are cooking for and if you maybe batch cooking, the sizes available are numerous. This pot is especially useful for making broths and soups with large volumes of liquid. Opt for one made from stainless steel with a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly, preventing ingredients from scorching. Many soups like chicken broth, vegetable soups, or chili will benefit from the space and consistent heat that a good stockpot offers.
A good chef’s knife is indispensable for prepping soup ingredients. Most soups involve chopping vegetables, slicing meat, or mincing garlic and herbs. A high-quality 8 to 10-inch chef’s knife with a sharp blade allows for precise cutting and reduces the effort needed to chop tougher vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes.
To go along with the knife, a cutting board is a must. A large, sturdy cutting board provides a safe and comfortable space to chop all your ingredients. It’s best to have a non-slip cutting board, preferably made of wood or plastic. Some people prefer to have separate boards for meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Peeler
For soups that include vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips, a vegetable peeler makes prep work faster and easier. Look for a comfortable, ergonomic peeler that works well with a variety of vegetables. It will save you time and prevent unnecessary waste by removing just the right amount of skin.
5. Wooden Spoon or Spatula
A wooden spoon or spatula is perfect for stirring your soup, especially while sautéing ingredients before adding liquids. Wooden spoons won’t scratch the surface of your pot and they don’t conduct heat, making them ideal for handling hot foods. A spoon with a long handle ensures you can stir deeply into the pot without risking burns.
Accurate measurements are key to ensuring your soup turns out well-balanced in flavor. Having a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand is essential. They help you portion out liquids like broth, water, and cream, as well as dry ingredients such as salt, pepper, or spices.
7. Ladle
A ladle is crucial for serving and portioning out soup. It allows you to scoop out the liquid along with chunks of vegetables, meat, or grains without making a mess. A long handle helps you reach deep into the pot, ensuring easy access to the soup as it cooks or when serving.
8. Colander or Strainer
A colander or strainer is important for rinsing vegetables, beans, or pasta and for straining bones or other large solids from broth. If you’re making a broth from scratch, a fine mesh strainer will help remove impurities and solids to create a smooth, clear liquid.
9. Immersion Blender
An immersion blender (or stick blender) is useful for blending soups directly in the pot. It saves you the trouble of transferring hot liquids to a blender or food processor, which can be risky. Immersion blenders come in different power levels, so choose one that fits your needs.
10. Timer or Phone
Timing is essential in cooking soup. Some ingredients, like beans or tough cuts of meat, may require longer cooking times, while others, like pasta or delicate vegetables, can overcook quickly. A kitchen timer or the one on your phone ensures that you cook ingredients just the right amount of time.
By using the right equipment, you can streamline the soup-making process and achieve better results. Whether you’re making a simple broth or a complex stew, these essential tools will help you create delicious, hearty soups with ease.
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