Soup is transformative sustenance. It has the power to heal, warm, comfort, and fortify. In short, it’s the ideal winter nourishment. The range of soups to choose from is mind-boggling, and every culture’s cuisine has its own variations. We’ve gathered some of Edina’s most satisfying steaming bowls that will ease and please on even the darkest, coldest day.
UKRANIAN BEEF STEW
Pig & Fiddle
Although it’s called a stew, the consistency of this restorative is more on the soupy side. The intensely flavored beef broth hides all sorts of treasures: hunks of meltingly tender beef, translucent shards of cabbage, bright carrot coins, cubed potatoes and an intriguing spice blend of paprika, allspice and cloves. A generous infusion of fresh dill and a “lashing” of sour cream elevate the mishmash to giddy heights. We detected a distinctive sweetness and upon further fishing, we found capers and sweet pickle nuggets. Pickles in soup? Sounds weird, tastes wonderful. $6. 3812 W. 50th St.; 952.955.8385; pignfiddle.com
CHICKEN AND ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE GUMBO
Edina Grill
Our dear Edina Grill offers a different soup special every day, so check the chalkboard in the entryway when you arrive. One Tuesday, we were smitten with the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. Andouille is a spicy Cajun smoked pork sausage with a coarse-grained, rustic texture that melds admirably with the tomato-ey broth. Grilled chicken pieces contribute some extra smoke and there’s an ample dice of celery and red and green peppers to the benefit of both flavor and texture. White rice pitched in the requisite ballast. We were doubly charmed by the garnish of bright orange goldfish crackers—nostalgia and soup are an irresistible combination. Cup, $3.05. 5028 France Ave. S.; 952.927.7933; edinagrill.com
WILD RICE AND HAM
Lunds Grocery Store
The sign says that the wild rice and ham soup is famous. Hyperbole? We don’t think so—one spoonful and the answer was clear. It’s thick and creamy but not gloppy with starch; crowded with nutty wild rice grains; smoky with ham bits and kissed with a hint of maple. It’s simultaneously grounding and uplifting—a delicious and distinctive representative of our hibernal clime. If you need an immediate infusion, you can get a pint of the hot stuff from a bubbling cauldron on site. Otherwise, bring home a few quarts to heat up for a gang, et voila: instant cozy night indoors. Medium container, $5.49. 3945 W. 50th St.; 952.926.6833; lundsandbyerlys.com
HEARTY TOMATO PESTO
Crave
Crave updates the classic cream of tomato soup with an ingenious infusion of garlicky pesto. The pine nuts and parmesan cheese in the pesto add body and flavor, and basil is a tomato’s best complement. Vibrantly flavorful and with a slight roasted note, this is a decidedly adult soup, and begs for an accompanying glass of red wine. Cup, $4.50; bowl, $7.50. 3520 W. 70th St.; 952.697.6000; craveamerica.com
FRENCH ONION
Salut Bar Américain
French onion soup is easy to take for granted: We’ve been enjoying it for years. But some versions are better than others, and Salut’s is definitely at the top of the heap. It’s a simple soup, but a successful preparation requires both patience and fine ingredients. At Salut, the onions are cooked down to melting transparency in an earthy beef broth accented with thyme. A thick slice of baguette blanketed in melted gruyere cheese forms a sort of seal; we love how the cheese oozes down the sides of the adorable serving crock. $8.95. 5034 France Ave. S.; 952.929.3764 salutbaramericain.com
HOT AND SOUR
Big Bowl
Hot and sour soup is a primal healing elixir: It packs a bit of heat, exotic mushrooms like chewy shiitakes and frilly black wood ears (which surely must have magical properties), and lots of protein. The texture is thick, almost viscous, but in a good way. Don’t let the abundance of tofu cubes mislead you: This soup is certainly not vegetarian, with its chicken broth base and abundant clumps of seasoned ground pork loin. Scrambled egg strands mingle with julienned bamboo shoots, and the whole mélange is touched with soy sauce, sesame oil, cilantro and green onion. $6.95; 3669 Galleria; 952.928.7888; bigbowl.com
CORN CHOWDER
Cocina del Barrio
This is a creamy, dreamy bowl of corny goodness, and unlike many other corn chowders, it’s not in the least bit starchy. It’s fully stocked with slightly crisp corn kernels still clinging to each other in rows. There are little green chili flecks for both zest and visual appeal. Simultaneously rich and fresh, this is elegant chowder, and it will knock your socks off with the intense essence of corn. $7.50. 5036 France Ave. S.; 952.920.1860; barriotequila.com/barrio_cocina.html
TUSCAN CHICKEN SOUP
D’Amico and Sons
This is what the Italian grandmother you wish for would make for you. It’s a chicken soup, yes, but elevated by sunshiney flavors of the Mediterranean: tomatoes, garlic, onion and basil. D’Amico is generous with chunks of chicken and fine grains of pastina. Let yourself dream about a summer’s day in Italy with every luscious bite. Cup, $4.29. 3948 W. 50th St.; 952.926.1187; damicoandsons.com
LOBSTER BISQUE
Pittsburgh Blue
Sometimes the soul craves quality rather than quantity. When you’re aching for the glow of decadence, you’d do well to park at Pittsburgh Blue and linger over a luxurious bowl of lobster bisque. This silky pink bisque is a well-deserved and decadent mid-shopping boost, and the pretty swirls of crème fraîche and orange chili oil will inspire you aesthetically. The distinctive spike of saffron paired with briny chunks of lobster is a match made in heaven. $11.95. 3220 W. 70th St.; 952.567.2700; pittsburghbluesteak.com
