Few aromas conjure up an appetite like that of a simmering homemade soup. Packed with fresh ingredients and flavoured with herbs and spices, soup is every chef’s flexible friend. In the care sector, it is a menu must-have, delivering nutrition, hydration and supporting those with eating disorders to dine with dignity, however it can be often overlooked. This month, we are lifting the lid on the tureen to inspire your menu development of this much-loved winter warmer.
A vital source of nutrients
Soup can be a highly effective way to ensure care home residents receive the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and well. Not only is it an easily digestible meal, but it can also be tailored to meet a variety of dietary requirements for residents using one base stock. By incorporating fresh vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and legumes, care home caterers can provide a comprehensive mix of vitamins and minerals across a broad range of flavours.
A vegetable soup with added chicken or beans can provide a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients. Vegetables such as carrots, spinach and tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while the addition of beans or lean meat ensures adequate protein intake, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and overall strength. The inclusion of whole grains like barley or brown rice can add fibre, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common issue among the elderly. Herbs and spices used in soups not only enhance flavour but also offer additional health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.
No matter the flavour, one of the key benefits of soup is its hydrating qualities, supporting those who may not drink enough water throughout the day. Additionally, the warmth and comfort of soup can also help to stimulate appetite in those who might be struggling at mealtimes or recovering after illness.
Supporting residents with dysphagia
Puréed soups are an excellent option for those with swallowing difficulties. Delivering the essential nutrients residents need, they can also be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals without affecting the look, mouthfeel or flavour.
The ability to adjust the thickness of soups to meet International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) standards ensures residents receive a personalised dish that caters to their specific condition. IDDSI Levels 3 (Liquidised) and 5 (Minced & Moist) allow for a slightly thicker consistency that can be achieved by blending soups with a little less liquid or by adding thickening agents.
Serving in style
It is important to make soup more appealing and offer a variety of flavours, accompaniments and serving styles to enhance the dining experience for care home residents. By introducing a diverse range of options, caterers can stimulate residents’ appetites and prevent mealtime monotony. Different garnishes such as flavoured oils, a swirl of crème fraiche or croutons are a good place to start but get creative and pair your soup with a more unusual complimentary flavour such as crispy bacon, edible flowers or grilled gruyére cheese crostini.
When serving your soup, think about using different vessels to alter the presentation. “Try serving the soup inside of a suitable hollowed vegetable, for example pumpkin soup inside of a hollowed pumpkin. Or celeriac soup inside of a hollowed celeriac,” says Kerth Gumbs, Head Chef, Fenchurch Restaurant – Sky Garden. Alternatively, you could use different coloured decorative bowls, mini mason jars or mugs to surprise and delight your diners.
Providing accompaniments such as freshly baked bread or side salads can add texture and variety to the meal, encouraging residents to eat more and enjoy their food, but Kerth recommends elevating your sides with a savoury biscuit such as a salted short bread biscuit. Dean Harper, Chef and Director at Harper Fine Dining says, “Consider pairing your soups with savoury scones, cheese and herb biscuits or crispy vegetables for added texture and flavour.”
Turn the ordinary into extraordinary
If you are tired rotating the same soups on your menu it’s time to start innovating and testing new recipes. “The most unusual flavour combination I’ve experimented with is a spicy chorizo and chocolate soup,” says Gabrielle Marie Yap, Senior Editor & Culinary Entrepreneur, CarnivoreStyle. “Inspired by traditional Mexican mole, this soup combines the heat and spice of chorizo with the deep, complex flavours of dark chocolate. However, our best-selling flavours are a rich and smoky pulled pork chilli, a creamy chicken and wild rice soup, and a hearty Italian sausage and white bean stew. They are popular because they are packed with robust, satisfying ingredients that appeal to those who love meat-centric dishes, but my go-to soup for a comforting, fulfilling meal is a classic beef and barley soup. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with nutritious ingredients like tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables. The slow simmering process melds the flavours beautifully, creating a soup that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.”
Looking to international flavour combinations is a great place to start expanding your offering and will also add a taste of home for residents of different nationalities. Kerth Gumbs recommends a Caribbean style chicken soup with dumplings and Johnny cakes on the side for something a little more unusual while playing on a favourite flavour profile.
“One of the most unusual flavour combinations to garner widespread attention is the spicy coconut curry lentil soup,” comments Dean. “This unique fusion of exotic spices with creamy coconut milk results in a memorable taste sensation that surprises and delights!” This sentiment is echoed by Nick Vanderbeen, Executive Chef who has also experimented with a coconut and lemongrass soup with a hint of chilli that can be offered as a vegan, meat or fish option.
If your diners love their traditional soup menu, you can always elevate it by changing or adding a few ingredients. “Try fermenting some vegetables then dehydrating and blending into powders, add this to your soup at the end to bump contrast in flavours,” comments Kerth. Dean recommends experimenting with homemade stocks or broths and ingredients to enhance a recipe, saying “Unexpected ingredients like fruit purées, smoked salts or infused oils bring an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to traditional soup dishes, transforming an otherwise commonplace soup into a gourmet offering that stands out among its contemporaries.”
As autumn turns to winter and menus change to reflect the seasons, take a closer look at the role soup plays in your care home and see how you can transform something simple into something soup-er!
Tips for creating some hearty soups for the cooler months
Use Seasonal Ingredients: Seasonal vegetables such as root vegetables, squash, and leafy greens are not only more flavourful but also packed with nutrients, ensuring your soup is both tasty and healthy.
Build a Base: Sauté aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery to create a rich foundation for your soup. Using a combination of broth and stock (vegetable, chicken or beef) can also add an extra layer of taste and nutrition.
Incorporate Protein: Adding protein is essential for making your soup more filling and balanced.
Options include beans, lentils, chickpeas, shredded chicken, beef chunks, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add Whole Grains: Including whole grains like barley, quinoa, or brown rice can increase the heartiness of your soup. These grains absorb the flavours of the broth while adding fibre, which helps with satiety and digestion.
Balance Textures: Combine smooth, creamy elements with chunky components. For example, blend a portion of soup to achieve a creamy consistency while leaving some vegetables or protein pieces intact for added texture.
Use Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs added towards the end of cooking can brighten up soup, while dried herbs and spices can provide a warming, robust flavour profile.
Simmer for Depth: Allow your soup to simmer for an extended period. Slow cooking helps meld the flavours together, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
Finish with a Touch of Creaminess: For an extra touch of comfort, consider finishing your soup with a splash of cream, coconut milk, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
