Warming homemade soups from Northern Ireland producers are nutritious and tasty
A bowl of warming soup has long been seen by families here as a perfect way to stay cosy on a winter’s day, offering hydration and essential nutrients in a comforting and delicious meal.
Fresh soup, especially home-made, is a convenient meal that’s hearty and flavourful.
It’s a meal with loads of options that range from classic recipes to quick, satisfying meals, many of which can be made in big batches and frozen for enjoyment later.
If making soup at home isn’t possible, there’s a group of artisan and smaller companies here with soup varieties produced in small and premium quality batches that are readily available in supermarkets, convenience stores and delis.
Among the most successful producers here are: Cookstown’s Big Pot and Morrow Foods, as well as Carol’s Stock Market in Londonderry, and Spear and Arrow from Larne.
Knott’s Bakery in Newtownards also produces a range of soups and Irish stew.
In additional to classic favourites such as Tomato and Basil, Chicken, and Vegetable Broth, several producers have developed unique varieties including Bone Broth with Turmeric. Big Pot and Spear and Arrow have collaborated in a Vegetable Bone Broth.
Formed in 2009 by food technologist Alison Seiney, Big Pot is probably our leading producer of soups, as well as quick cook meals, for most of the top supermarkets.
The soups are based on mostly locally sourced ingredients. Fresh soups include Real Vegetable Broth, Cream of Chicken, Potato and Leek, Carrot and Coriander, Tomato and Basil and French Onion.
“Provenance is a key concern for us. Our location at the heart of a farming communities gives us access to quality ingredients in line with our focus on the development of nutritious, healthy and gourmet foods,” says Alison.
Morrow Foods has a longstanding reputation as a producer of gastronomic quality pâtés and other dishes such as stews and broths for retail multiples, independents and restaurants. Morrow’s ready meals feature Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth, Fresh Onion Soup, Beef Stew, and Irish Stew.
A family owned and managed business, Morrow Foods was established in 1996 and is now among the leaders in the creation and production of pâtés in the UK and Ireland