Ep 13. Soup Lunch

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten is hosting a soup lunch for her friends. She starts off by making a delicious sounding roasted tomato and basil soup. To make the soup, she starts by roasting tomatoes with garlic and thyme until they are caramelized. She then blends the tomatoes with chicken stock and fresh basil to create a smooth and velvety soup.

Next up, Ina makes a herbed fromage blanc spread to serve alongside some crusty bread. To make the fromage blanc, Ina combines cream cheese and goat cheese with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and salt. The result is a tangy and flavorful spread that is perfect for dipping bread into.

For her main course, Ina makes a hearty lentil and kielbasa soup. To make the soup, she starts by browning sliced kielbasa in a pot with onions, garlic, and carrots. She then adds lentils, chicken stock, and fresh thyme, and simmers the soup until the lentils are cooked through and tender. Ina notes that this soup is perfect for making ahead and reheating for lunch throughout the week.

Finally, Ina makes a refreshing dessert of poached pears with raspberry sauce. To make the pears, she simmers peeled and cored pears with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla bean until they are tender and infused with flavor. She then serves the pears with a raspberry sauce made by blending fresh raspberries with sugar and lemon juice.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares tips for entertaining and cooking ahead so that her soup lunch comes together easily and effortlessly. From prepping ingredients ahead of time to making sure everything is kept warm until serving, Ina’s tips are sure to help even novice home cooks feel confident hosting a soup lunch of their own.

Overall, this episode of Barefoot Contessa is filled with comforting and comforting dishes that are perfect for a cozy lunch with friends. Whether you’re craving a rich and creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil soup, Ina’s recipes are sure to hit the spot. And with her tips for entertaining and cooking ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy a stress-free and delicious lunch with ease.