The Commercial Appeal - Go Memphis
HEARTY SOUPS TO WARM YOU UP THIS WINTER
Jennifer Chandler
Memphis Commercial Appeal USA TODAY NETWORK — TENN.
I recently received a copy of a new cookbook all about soups from Michele Di Pietro, creator of New York-based Mangia With Michele.
It’s not your ordinary soup cookbook. “Soupified: Soups Inspired by Your Favorite Dishes” is a whimsical and fun collection of soup recipes that were inspired by popular dishes like Eggplant Parm, Chicken Marsala, Lasagna, Philly Cheesesteak and even Chinese Egg Rolls. These are soups that are hearty and meant to be a meal.
As I flipped through the book, it got me thinking about soups in Memphis. We have so many creative chefs in Memphis who are creating delicious soups that have become signature menu items.
Here are five hearty soups guaranteed to warm you up (and fill you up) on the chilliest of winter days.
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana: Chicken Tortilla Soup
The Chicken Tortilla Soup at Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana (6300 Poplar Ave. and 1215 S. Germantown Road in Germantown) may be my favorite rendition in town. A steamy bowl of soup, loaded with crispy strips of handmade tortillas, is what arrives at the table. When you dip in your spoon, it is evident that this is not your everyday bowl of chicken soup. Each spoonful contains pieces of freshly diced avocado, tomatoes, shredded chicken, tortillas and melty chihuahua and cotija cheeses in a richly hued chicken broth. It's like a Mexican fiesta in each bite.
Paradise Café: Memphis Chowder
Paradise Café (6150 Poplar Ave.) always has a couple good soups on the menu. The offerings change daily and are usually unique. Owner Bob Sternburgh has come up with a signature soup for our hometown — Memphis Chowder. This brothy soup is made with white beans, black-eyed peas, turnip greens, smoked sausage, carrots, celery and onions, and it's topped with cornbread. The folks at Paradise Café will let you taste the soups before ordering, so don't be afraid to ask for a sample.
Rizzo’s: Cheeseburger Soup
Chef Michael Patrick has featured his Cheeseburger Soup on the menu of Rizzo's (492 S. Main St.) since day one. This creamy soup is reminiscent of a chowder, but with all the flavors of a cheeseburger. Ground beef, diced tomatoes, a cheddar and jack cheese blend, and a mixture of both English mustard and Zatarain's Creole mustard create the soup version of this popular sandwich. In addition to being available at the restaurant, quarts of Rizzo's Cheeseburger Soup can now be picked up at Cordelia's Market.
Mosa Asian Bistro: Yuan Bao Soup
The best way I know how to describe the Yuan Bao soup at Mosa Asian Bistro (850 S. White Station Road) is that it is an Asian spin on chicken and dumplings. Handmade chicken dumplings are served in a flavorful wonton soup broth with Napa cabbage, carrots and fresh cilantro. Crispy wonton strips and a dipping sauce (available in mild, medium or spicy heat) add the finishing touch. Each serving is a generous portion that, in my opinion, could serve two.
Huey’s: Potato Soup
Huey's (multiple locations) has my favorite Potato Soup. It's rich and creamy and topped with all the right fixin's — bacon, shredded cheddar and scallions. This hearty soup has remained a Mid-south staple for decades. The signature recipe was created by late Huey's owner Thomas Boggs and his wife, Wight Boggs, alongside Terry Gant, Thomas' longtime friend and Huey's Midtown former kitchen manager. And here's a fun fact: This signature soup was originally made using potato scooped out in the process of creating Huey's Original Potato Skins.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercial appeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.