Trader Joe’s Canned Soup Hacks: Delicious Recipes Beyond the Bowl
Trader Joe’s is a haven for foodies, and their canned soup selection is no exception. Offering a variety of flavors from classic tomato to more exotic lentil and even seasonal pumpkin varieties, these cans are a pantry staple for many. But let’s face it, sometimes a simple bowl of soup just doesn’t cut it. This blog post will explore creative and delicious ways to elevate your Trader Joe’s canned soup experience, transforming those humble cans into gourmet-worthy meals.
## Why Trader Joe’s Canned Soups?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly acknowledge why Trader Joe’s canned soups are so popular:
* **Flavor:** They are known for their rich and authentic flavors. Trader Joe’s often uses high-quality ingredients and unique spice blends.
* **Convenience:** Canned soup is the ultimate convenience food. It requires minimal preparation and cooks quickly.
* **Variety:** Trader Joe’s offers a diverse range of soups to suit different tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
* **Affordability:** Generally, Trader Joe’s offers competitive pricing, making their canned soups a budget-friendly option.
## Elevating Your Soup: General Tips & Tricks
Before we get to specific recipes, here are some general tips for enhancing *any* Trader Joe’s canned soup:
* **Fresh Herbs:** A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, or chives can add brightness and complexity to your soup.
* **Lemon or Lime Juice:** A squeeze of citrus can brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
* **Spices & Seasonings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings. Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder are all great options.
* **Garnishes:** Garnishes add visual appeal and textural contrast. Croutons, toasted nuts, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil can all elevate your soup.
* **Sautéed Vegetables:** Sautéing some vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, or celery and adding them to your soup can add depth of flavor and texture.
* **Protein Boost:** Add protein to make your soup more filling and satisfying. Cooked chicken, sausage, tofu, or chickpeas are all good options.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a swirl of chili oil to add some heat.
* **Better Broth:** While the canned soup already contains broth, consider adding a touch of chicken, vegetable, or beef broth to enrich the flavor even further.
* **Wine:** A splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) can add a touch of sophistication to creamy soups.
## Recipe Ideas Using Trader Joe’s Canned Soups
Now, let’s get to the fun part: the recipes! These recipes are designed to be easy to follow and adaptable to your own preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations.
### 1. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This recipe takes the classic tomato soup and grilled cheese pairing to the next level.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Soup
* 2 slices of your favorite bread (Sourdough or brioche work well)
* 1 slice of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
* 1 tablespoon butter, softened
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Grilled Cheese Croutons:** Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with cheddar cheese and the other slice of bread, butter-side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let cool slightly, then cut into small cubes.
2. **Heat the Soup:** Pour the Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until simmering. If you want a richer, creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Serve:** Pour the soup into bowls. Top with the grilled cheese croutons and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
**Variations:**
* Add a swirl of pesto to the soup for extra flavor.
* Use different types of cheese for the grilled cheese croutons, such as Gruyere or fontina.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.
### 2. Spicy Black Bean Soup with Avocado Crema
This recipe transforms Trader Joe’s Black Bean Soup into a spicy and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Black Bean Soup
* 1/2 avocado
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
* Tortilla chips, for serving
* Optional: Diced red onion, jalapeño slices
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Avocado Crema:** In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. **Heat the Soup:** Pour the Trader Joe’s Black Bean Soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until simmering. Add more cumin and chili powder for extra spice if desired.
3. **Serve:** Pour the soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of avocado crema, chopped cilantro, diced red onion (optional), and jalapeño slices (optional). Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
**Variations:**
* Add shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar, to the soup.
* Sauté some diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic before adding the soup for added flavor.
* Add a squeeze of lime juice to the soup itself.
### 3. Lentil Soup with Sausage and Kale
This recipe adds heartiness and nutrients to Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup
* 1 Italian sausage, removed from casing
* 1 cup chopped kale
* 1/2 onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
2. **Add the Soup:** Pour the Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup into the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. **Serve:** Pour the soup into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
**Variations:**
* Use different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage or chorizo.
* Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes.
* Use spinach instead of kale.
* Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
### 4. Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Coconut
This recipe adds a touch of exotic flavor to Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Soup (seasonal).
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Soup
* 1/4 cup coconut milk
* 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
* 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted
* Chopped cilantro, for garnish
* Optional: Red pepper flakes
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the Coconut:** Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
2. **Heat the Soup:** Pour the Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Soup into a saucepan. Stir in the coconut milk and curry powder. Heat over medium heat until simmering. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
3. **Serve:** Pour the soup into bowls. Top with toasted coconut and chopped cilantro.
**Variations:**
* Add a swirl of plain yogurt or sour cream for added richness.
* Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or cashews, instead of coconut.
* Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
### 5. Minestrone Soup with Pesto and Parmesan
This recipe enhances Trader Joe’s Minestrone Soup with classic Italian flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Minestrone Soup
* 2 tablespoons pesto
* Grated Parmesan cheese
* Crusty bread, for serving
* Olive oil, for drizzling
**Instructions:**
1. **Heat the Soup:** Pour the Trader Joe’s Minestrone Soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until simmering.
2. **Serve:** Pour the soup into bowls. Swirl in a tablespoon of pesto into each bowl. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
**Variations:**
* Add cooked pasta, such as ditalini or orzo, to the soup.
* Add some cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
* Use different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto.
### 6. Corn and Chile Soup with Queso Fresco and Lime
This recipe brings a Southwestern flair to a simple corn soup.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Soup (or similar corn soup)
* 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
* 1 lime, cut into wedges
* Chopped cilantro, for garnish
* Optional: A drizzle of hot sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Heat the Soup:** Pour the Trader Joe’s Corn and Chile Soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until simmering.
2. **Serve:** Pour the soup into bowls. Top with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge for squeezing and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
**Variations:**
* Grill some corn on the cob and cut the kernels off to add to the soup for extra corn flavor.
* Top with avocado slices for creaminess.
* Add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema.
### 7. Transforming Soup into Sauce: Creamy Tomato Pasta
Think outside the bowl! Canned soup can also be the base for a delicious pasta sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Soup
* 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Soup and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
**Variations:**
* Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce.
* Add sautéed vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
### 8. Spicy Pumpkin Soup (Seasonal) with Pepitas and a Swirl of Crème Fraîche
When Trader Joe’s seasonal Pumpkin Soup hits the shelves, this recipe is a must-try.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (17.6 oz) Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup (seasonal)
* 2 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
* 2 tablespoons crème fraîche (or sour cream)
* A pinch of nutmeg
* Optional: A drizzle of maple syrup
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the Pepitas:** Toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they are lightly golden and fragrant, stirring frequently.
2. **Heat the Soup:** Pour the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until simmering. Add a pinch of nutmeg.
3. **Serve:** Pour the soup into bowls. Swirl a tablespoon of crème fraîche into each bowl and top with toasted pepitas. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness, if desired.
**Variations:**
* Add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth.
* Use toasted almonds or pecans instead of pepitas.
* Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
## Beyond the Recipes: Other Ideas
* **Soup Shooters:** Serve your enhanced soup in small shot glasses as an appetizer at a party.
* **Soup and Sandwich Bar:** Set up a soup and sandwich bar with different types of Trader Joe’s canned soups and a variety of sandwich fillings and toppings.
* **Soup Dumplings:** Use your leftover soup as a filling for homemade or store-bought dumplings.
## Conclusion
Trader Joe’s canned soups are a fantastic starting point for creating delicious and satisfying meals. With a few simple additions and creative twists, you can transform these humble cans into gourmet-worthy dishes that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab a few cans of your favorite soups and get cooking! Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make these recipes your own. Happy souping!