Ep 10. Tale of Two Soups

In season 7 episode 10 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Tale of Two Soups," Ina Garten is all about soups, featuring two very different but equally delicious ones on the menu.

The first soup on the menu is a hearty French onion soup, which she claims is perfect for chilly days. She starts by slicing up a large quantity of onions, and then caramelizing them slowly in butter until they are golden brown and sweet. She then adds beef broth, cognac, and a bit of white wine to the mix, before simmering everything together for almost an hour to really let the flavors meld. Finally, she toasts some slices of country bread, adds some grated Gruyere cheese on top, and broils everything together until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a rich, savory soup that is sure to satisfy.

The second soup on the menu is a light and refreshing cold tomato soup, perfect for warmer months when you don't want to eat anything too heavy. Ina starts by pureeing fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and garlic together in a blender until everything is smooth and creamy. She then adds some red wine vinegar and olive oil for an extra zing of flavor, and seasons everything with salt and pepper to taste. The soup is then put in the fridge to chill for a few hours, so that it can be served icy cold. Ina recommends serving this soup as a starter for a summer dinner party, with some fresh herbs and croutons on top for added texture.

Throughout the episode, Ina also gives some great cooking tips and tricks. For instance, when caramelizing onions, she suggests adding a pinch of sugar to help them brown evenly. She also emphasizes the importance of always using homemade chicken stock whenever possible, as well as investing in a good quality blender for smooth and easy pureeing.

Overall, "Tale of Two Soups" is a great episode for anyone looking to expand their soup repertoire. Whether you prefer a hearty and filling French onion soup or a light and refreshing cold tomato soup, Ina Garten has got you covered with her signature blend of practicality and elegance. So why not break out your soup pot and give one of these recipes a try? Your taste buds will thank you.