Beyond croutons: 5 super soup toppers

By Hannah Lewry, 6 April 2016

From a combo of yoghurt, crispy onion and coriander, to poached egg and pumpkin seeds, TASTE contributing food editor Hannah Lewry shares some of her favourite toppings for a bowl of hearty soup

I am an absolute soup fanatic. I can eat it all year round and not get bored. I know I’m a rare breed, so to get my guests to be as enthusastic I often serve soups topped with some of these delicous goodies for the ultimate wow factor!

POACHED EGG AND PUMPKIN SEEDS

To make the perfect poached egg, bring a saucepan of water to a simmer. Add 2 t vinegar. Using a whisk, create a whirlpool in the water and crack 1 free-range egg into the pool. Cook for 4 minutes, then remove using a slotted spoon. Drain on kitchen paper and top your soup with the egg, toasted pumpkin seeds and a crack of black pepper. Add some baby spinach if you like and a drizzle of good olive oil or even truffle oil.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh minestrone soup

CHICKPEAS, GARLIC AND CHILLI WITH BACON

This is definitely my favourite flavour combo for soup toppers. Panfry 100 g diced streaky bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan. To the same pan add 1 clove crushed garlic, 1/2 chopped chilli and 200 g drained chickpeas and fry for 30 seconds. Add a pinch of paprika and return the bacon to the pan before spooning over steaming bowls of soup.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh butternut soup

CHEESY TOAST WITH TOMATO AND WORCESTER SAUCE

This is what my grandmother used to make my brother and I as kids. We always knew what we would get for dinner when she was cooking! I still love it. Toast ciabatta slices under a hot grill on both sides. Shake a few drops of Worcester sauce onto one side of the toast, top with sliced tomatoes and a few slices of Cheddar or gouda cheese, finish with a crack of black pepper and place under the grill once more until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Perfect match: Best with Woolworths fresh creamy sundried tomato soup and fresh basil.

YOGHURT, CRISPY ONIONS AND CORIANDER

Sometimes soup just needs something simple to take it to the next level. I love Woolworths new harissa chicken, pumpkin and quinoa soup opped with a swirl of double-thick plain yoghurt, a drizzle of chilli oil, freshly chopped coriander and a sprinkling of Woolworths crispy onion bits.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh harissa chicken, pumpkin and quinoa soup

GRATED BABY MARROW, BASIL PESTO AND CROUTONS

The classic crouton is a utterly yummy and comforting. I like to add a bit of freshness by finely grating a raw baby marrow onto my soup with a spoonful of basil pesto and top it off with crunchy salt and pepper croutons.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh spinach, broccoli and kale soup

DISCOVER A RANGE OF DELICIOUS SOUP RECIPES HERE

Hannah Lewry

Article by Hannah Lewry

Woolworths TASTE’s Food Editor is passionate about conjuring up fresh ideas for fast and easy dishes that taste as great as they look. Turn to her expertise for everything from time-saving mid-week food to lazy weekend meals. You’ll have a lot of fun in the kitchen while you’re about it.
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