Soup Strategy

Soups for Entertaining, Soups for Busy Weekday Meals

Appears in
top 1000Ruhlman's Twenty
Ruhlman's Twenty

By Michael Ruhlman

Published 2011

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Because soup is so easy to make, it’s a practical choice for weeknight dinners. Soups come together in a snap, are delicious and nutritious, and put leftovers to good use.
Because soups hold so well, they can be made a day ahead. They also make a great first course for entertaining. They can be simple creamy soups, cold or heated at the last minute and served. For something fancier, you can set out bowls containing a cooked garnish and pour the soup at the table.

Soups make a terrific canapé. Thomas Keller at The French Laundry was among the first chefs to serve soups in demitasse cups. This is easy to do at home, as a canape. The soup should be rich and satisfying, focusing on the main ingredient, or should be lean with a compelling featured garnish.