Welcome Fall with a Flavorful Twist in Augusta!
As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a little crisper, *fall* is officially upon us! And what better way to celebrate the season than by enjoying some warm, hearty food? Here in Augusta, we recently had the delightful opportunity to join local chef Kelsey Lucius from Salty Tomatoes in Aiken as she whipped up a delicious and comforting Lasagna Soup that’s sure to warm your heart as much as it fills your belly!
The Perfect Dish for a Chilly Day
If you haven’t heard of Lasagna Soup yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s essentially the cozy, comforting vibes of traditional lasagna, but in a delightful soup form! Imagine all the classic flavors of lasagna—rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory meat—all melded together in a warm bowl. It’s a perfect fit for this time of year when we’re all trending toward heartier meals.
Gathering Ingredients
Before we dived into cooking, Kelsey took a moment to gather her ingredients, which are simple yet essential for crafting this delicious dish. Folks, you don’t need a degree in culinary arts to tackle this recipe! You’ll need:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onions and garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Beef or vegetable broth
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses
- Italian herbs like basil and oregano
- Salt and pepper for seasoning!
See? Nothing on that list should intimidate you! You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store, and who knows—you might already have some of them in your pantry!
Cooking It Up!
Once we had our ingredients ready, it was showtime! Kelsey demonstrated how to brown the meat in a large pot and add the chopped onions and minced garlic, making our kitchen smell absolutely divine. After this, she added the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring everything together to create the base of our soup.
Next up were the noodles; Kelsey broke them into smaller pieces—making it easier to eat in soup form—and tossed them in! As the mixture simmered, we could barely contain our excitement at the thought of this incredible meal coming together.
Layering the Flavors
Of course, no lasagna-inspired dish would be complete without cheese! Once the noodles were cooked to perfection, Kelsey folded in dollops of ricotta cheese, sprinkled mozzarella on top, and finished it off with a generous dusting of Parmesan. It was a true *cheesy* moment, and honestly, doesn’t it always come down to cheese?
The Final Touch
After a few more minutes to melt all that cheesy goodness together, it was finally time to serve! Kelsey ladled the steaming Lasagna Soup into bowls, garnishing each bowl with fresh basil—because, why not add a touch of color and flavor?
This Lasagna Soup is not just easy to make; it’s perfect for gathering friends and family together, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. The recipe comfortably serves four, but it can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings or meal prep for those busy weeknights.
Get Cooking This Fall!
If you’re looking to embrace the flavors of fall and warm up your home with the smell of comforting food, this Lasagna Soup is your answer! So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the beauty of the season with a bowl of deliciousness. Happy cooking!
