Soup One: Souperpapa’s Papa Al Pomodoro Soup

Ingredients (in no particular order): tomatoes, basil, artisanal bread, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar

Last month, I went to visit Souperpapa in his small village, Soupany, located in the heart of Tuscany. I packed my backpack, walking  stick, some water, a few tomatoes, and a Luna Bar, and climbed up the hill to his little cottage. “Souperpapa,” I said. “I need a fabulous summer soup. One that captures the essence of the wonderful summer flavors at the farmer’s markets in Washington, DC. A soup that can be served hot or room temperature! Help me!” Souperpapa grunted in reply. He doesn’t speak any English so that’s really the extent of our verbal communication. Anyway, he took my tomatoes and then went into the garden, grabbed some basil, a few pieces of garlic, and an onion. He pulled a piece of rustic bread from his shelf, along with his olive oil. He grunted again. I took his grunt to mean, “This is all you need. Your people will love this soup. The aromas are amazing. It is simple, yet delicious. I seduced your Soupermama (not to be confused with Soupermom) with this soup back in 1952. That was quite a summer, but that’s a  story for another time. Anyway, this soup is my absolute favorite. Also, you should make it when you do chef’s demos at farmer’s markets around DC. People will love it and will order lots of it. Trust me on this one.” Wow, after that what else could I do? And no, I don’t think I’m reading too much into his grunts.

Allergy Note: Nut free. Contains gluten.

Weygandt Wine Pairing: Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Roses 2009 – Rhone, France – 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable – Silver-pink. More floral than the Rose Fleur, displaying scents of yellow rose, Lily of the Valley and raspberry, with building spiciness. Despite its punchy depth of red fruit flavor, this comes off almost weightless. The spiciness carries assertively through the long, focused finish. Regular Price $15.99, Soupergirl Customer Price $12.99

Soup Two: Manush’s Legendary Summer Soup

Ingredients (in no particular order): zucchini, potatoes, cilantro, lemon juice, tomato paste, olive oil, onion, salt, homemade vegetable stock goodness

My great aunt, Manush, came to this country from Armenia in 1915. When entering the country at Ellis Island, she encountered some  trouble with the immigration officials. She spoke no English, and things were getting heated. Finally, she somehow convinced them to let her make them some soup. I know, random. Just go with it. They went into the Ellis Island kitchen. Thankfully, one of the guards had brought in some items from his CSA delivery – zucchini, potatoes, onions, and cilantro. She grabbed a few other items and whipped together this soup. Thankfully, she had remembered to bring her immersion blender over from Armenia, as the one they had at the kitchen was quite sub-par. She served some of them the hot version, and some of them the cold one. The immigration officials were so overwhelmed by the soup’s taste, they let her into the country, and hired her right away to be the Ellis Island chef. I don’t like to brag, but if you’ve ever heard about the legend of Manush, the Ellis Island chef – that was my great aunt. Pretty cool, huh?

Allergy Note: Nut and gluten free.

Weygandt Wine Pairing: Verace Pinot Grigio 2009 – Veneto, Italy – 100% Pinot Grigio – 12.5% abv – Sustainable – Crisp green apple is at the core of this delicious, refreshing white with good definition, focus and clarity. This tasty Pinot Grigio offers good length and balance. Regular Price $11.99, Soupergirl Customer Price $9.99

Whole Wheat Couscous with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

Earthy whole wheat couscous mixed together with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and white beans.

Ingredients (in no particular order): whole wheat couscous, pine nuts, white beans, cherry tomatoes, turmeric, basil, lemon juice, red onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

Allergy Note: Contains gluten and pine nuts.

• Pita chips – Prepared fresh each week – 100% whole wheat and baked (not fried) by our friends at the Perfect Pita (Served old school style – packaged in a little a zip lock bag – just like your mama used to pack in your lunch box. Unless you had a mom like mine and were sent to school with carrot sticks and juicy juice. Blech. ($2.30/bag-vegan)
• A Maze-ing Cornbread – Brought to you by our friends at Treet. Treet uses eggs and cream from local farms. And trust us, you’ll taste the difference. We think this cornbread comes from heaven. Divinely inspired! The perfect accompaniment to any soup! ($2.50/cornbread-not-vegan)

• Hot Chocolate Brownies (that happen to be vegan) – Smooth cocoa powder, with sugar and cinnamon and a swirl of double chocolatey sweetness. Simply put- chocolate heaven. So good you’ll think Treet pulled the ol’ switcharoo, but they are the real vegan deal, promise! ($2.65/brownie-vegan)
• Rotating monthly desserts! – Also made by Treet! Each month a different homemade, locally baked dessert is offered. Desserts include Lil’ Guilty Pleasure (mini cupcakes), the Treet Formerly Known as a Brownie (yeah, this ain’t your mother’s brownie…), Everything Nice Cookies, and more. This month’s dessert is listed below. (prices vary – listed below and on the order page – not-vegan)

This Month’s Dessert: ALMOND GINGER MACAROONS (GLUTEN FREE)!

Crisp on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth on the inside, almond cookie duos with a spicy ginger center
Available for $2.00/cookie duo. – not vegan.

Allergy Note: Contains almonds. Gluten free!

We are now offering tee shirts which are made from certified organic cotton and water-based ink, and are completely sweat shop labor free! Basically, you could eat the shirts. But we think the soups taste better. The shirts feature the Soupergirl logo on the front and the words I LIKE SOUP on the back. Shout your Soupergirl love from the rooftops! Available in small, medium, large, and XL sizes. ($18/shirt)

Be sure to visit the How It Works page to learn how to get your soup on. Then head to the Get Soup Now page to place your order!