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Once the onions and garlic are soft, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it in. This will act as your thickening agent, creating the smooth, creamy base for the soup. Cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic begins, as the broth and cream come together to form a rich, velvety base.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Meat
Next, stir in the frozen peas (or your choice of veggies) and the cooked chicken or turkey. These ingredients provide the dish with color, texture, and heartiness. You can use leftover turkey from your holiday feast or cook some chicken specifically for this recipe—either way, it’ll be delicious.
Sprinkle in the thyme and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and for the vegetables to cook through.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Now comes the fun part: stirring in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. This is where the soup gets its rich, cheesy, comforting texture that makes it feel like a hug in every bite. Stir the mixture until the cheese has fully melted and everything is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is creamy and the flavors have melded, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or sage, for an extra festive touch. If you like a little crunch, you can sprinkle some bread crumbs or croutons on top for added texture.
Why This Recipe is the Perfect Holiday Dish
- Comfort in Every Bite: There’s nothing quite like a dish that brings warmth and comfort, and this recipe does just that. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a perfect dish for cold winter nights or holiday gatherings.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover turkey or chicken from your holiday meal, this recipe is the perfect way to use it up. It gives new life to those leftovers, turning them into a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and entirely different from the original meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it as a starter or as the main dish, this recipe is sure to please a crowd. It’s one of those meals that everyone raves about, and there’s never enough to go around at the end of a gathering.
- Simple Yet Special: Despite its hearty flavors and festive nature, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. It doesn’t require a lot of complicated ingredients or techniques, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
- A Family Tradition: What started as just a comforting family meal has become a holiday tradition. The name ‘Holiday Hug in a Bowl’ was born out of the warmth and joy it brings to every gathering, and it’s now a dish that’s requested year after year.
Conclusion: A Recipe That Warms the Heart
This Christmas, ‘Holiday Hug in a Bowl’ will undoubtedly be the star of the show. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and heartwarming ingredients, this dish embodies everything that makes the holiday season so special. Whether you’re gathered around the table with loved ones or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this recipe is the perfect way to bring comfort, warmth, and a little bit of magic to your holiday celebrations.
So, this holiday season, gather your family, get your ingredients ready, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of joy—one that’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come.
