Soups are an Autumn favourite for many reasons. They’re hearty, warming, and most importantly, tasty. Whatever your personal favourite, from tomato to chicken noodle, soups have a way of making the dark nights a little cosier. Soups can be made quickly at home and in restaurants, thanks to their easy prep and serving properties. Adding seasonal soups to your menu will entice customers in from the cold and rainy British weather, and warm them up, leaving them feeling impressed.

Preparing Sensational Soup

Soup is one of the easiest meals to prepare. Here at Cooksmill, we have plenty of products to enhance your soup brewing potential, even if you’re new to the cooking scene. The Tower Stainless Steel Soup Maker is the perfect kitchen tool for making quality soups in one handy piece of equipment. For cafes, restaurants and other catering locations that want to make small batches of soup, the Tower Soup Maker has an intelligent control system that prevents soups from overheating and burning, producing soups that are the perfect temperature and taste.

Similarly, the Black Electric Soup Kettle in 10 Litres from Zodiac is stylish and reliable, making it an excellent addition to any food service establishment. The soup kettle has a capacity of up to 10 litres, and is guaranteed to keep food warm throughout service, making it ideal for busy locations. The inside of the kettle can be adjusted to anywhere between 85 and 90°C, and is powered from a standard UK plug.

If you’re looking to start your soup from scratch, a stock pot, or casserole pan is what you’re after. Cooksmill has our own brand of professional stainless steel cookware, especially for this. The professional stainless steel casserole & lid 7 litre pan is great for making soups and keeping the flavour in the liquid. The deep pan allows the soup to simmer and brew, enhancing the flavour. This pan is ideal for thicker soups, as it is better at slow-cooking liquids thoroughly. Our professional stockpot, 12 litres, can quickly warm up larger batches of soup, making it a great choice for busy kitchens looking to serve several servings in quick succession.

Serving Sophisticated Soup

From serving soup in stylish bowls, to convenient takeaway cups, there are plenty of ways to ensure your soup reaches your customers safely. For establishments that want more secure and stable soup bowls, melamine is your best bet. The Melamine Soup Bowl in white is scratch resistant, reliable and durable, and can handle general wear and tear. The simple white colour makes it versatile for a range of themes in different restaurants, cafes, and food-serving locations.

For a more high end look, Rustico has several handled soup cups that are finished with a reactive glaze for natural variance. The handle makes it easy for customers to enjoy their soup without worrying about it spilling, and with so many colours to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one to match your venue’s aesthetic. Porcelite also has several soup plate options, each piece made from vitrified porcelain and uniquely finished with a reactive glaze.

To compliment your chosen soup bowls and plates, we have a range of cutlery and soup spoons. Made from 18% chromium and 0% nickel, the Maple 18/0 Soup Spoon brings class to any soup meal. The timeless look of the spoon makes it a perfect match for whatever crockery you already have. 18/0 cutlery is rust-resistant and lightweight, making it a great choice for cafes and restaurants looking for durable pieces. Alternatively, 18/10 cutlery is made from 18% chromium and 10% nickel and each piece feels slightly elevated compared to 18/0, making it the first choice for high-end catering locations. The Balmoral 18/10 Soup Spoon is timeless and perfect for everyday use as well as special occasions.

For takeaway customers, quick and precise service is key. This is why having a soup ladle is a must, it’ll help speed up your serving times and reduce the mess made. The ergonomic, heat resistant handle allows staff to quickly pour soup into takeaway soup containers without worrying about burning their hands. The ladle is dishwasher safe, another bonus for busy venues. For a more cost-effective choice, the Apollo Stainless Steel Handle is easy to clean and allows the user to hold the handle comfortably for long periods of time.

We offer soup containers in a range of different sizes and shapes, making it easy for you to find the one that best fits your establishment. The Kraft Disposable Heavy Duty Containers are ideal for soup that is a little thicker and needs a reliable container. Lids for these containers are also available, sold separately, ensuring that the soup makes it to the customer in the same way it left your kitchen. Dispo also offers heavy-duty soup containers in a simple white design, which would make a great addition to takeaways, and for customers who perhaps want to take their leftovers home.

A Seasonal Soup Favourite

If you’re stumped at where to start with a seasonal soup, try a roasted butternut squash soup! This soup is easy to make, but full of flavour, and a great way to warm up on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and seeded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. While the squash is roasting, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
5. Add the chicken broth and roasted butternut squash to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, then return it to the pot.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Soup Made Simple

Soup is one of the nation's favourite dishes, so adding it to your seasonal menu is a no-brainer. Here at Cooksmill, we have everything you need for soup cooking and serving, making it easy to ensure you have everything to result in the best soup for your customers and guests. With so many flavours to explore, soup is a certified favourite meal that will keep customers coming back.