There’s something timeless about a warm, rustic meal of hearty bread paired with a steaming bowl of soup. The rich, wholesome flavors that waft through the kitchen evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, perfect for the cooler seasons. Using local, fresh ingredients found nearby in Minnesota and North Dakota, here are three delicious bread and soup pairings that will transport your senses to a cozy, rustic cabin in the woods. Plus, we’ve included a list of local restaurants where you can savor incredible soups in your area.

Sourdough Bread with Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Sourdough Bread:

The tangy, slightly chewy texture of sourdough is perfect for dipping into hearty soups. The aroma of this bread baking in your kitchen is earthy and mildly sour, with a crackling crust that sings as it cools.

Ingredients for Sourdough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the flours, water, and sourdough starter until combined. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, then fold in the salt.
2. Let the dough rise for 4-6 hours, folding it every 30 minutes.
3. Shape the dough and place it in a floured proofing basket. Let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden.

Creamy Wild Rice Soup:

This quintessential Minnesota dish is rich and creamy with a subtle, nutty flavor from the wild rice. The soup is fragrant with celery, carrots, and a hint of thyme, creating a savory aroma that pairs perfectly with sourdough.

Ingredients for Soup:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook wild rice in the broth until tender (about 45 minutes).
2. In a pot, sauté carrots, celery, and onion in butter until softened. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the cooked wild rice and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes until the soup thickens. Serve with a slice of tangy sourdough for a satisfying meal.

Rye Bread with Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Rye Bread:

This bread’s dark, dense crumb and distinct, earthy flavor make it a perfect companion for hearty, rich soups. The aroma of caraway seeds and molasses will fill your kitchen with warmth as it bakes.

Ingredients for Rye Bread:

• 3 cups rye flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add molasses, flours, salt, and caraway seeds. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
3. Shape it into a round loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is firm and brown.

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup:

This robust soup is packed with tender chunks of beef, barley, and root vegetables. The rich, meaty broth is infused with the savory aroma of thyme and bay leaves, creating a perfect match for the bold flavors of rye bread.

Ingredients for Soup:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup barley
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a large pot. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, barley, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked. Serve hot with slices of rye bread.

Herb Focaccia with Tomato Basil Soup

Herb Focaccia:

This golden bread is infused with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil flavors. The crust is crispy, while the inside is light and fluffy. The rich aroma of herbs and roasted garlic will make your kitchen feel like a rustic Italian bakery.

Ingredients for Focaccia:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, yeast, salt, and warm water until a dough forms. Let rise for 1 hour.
2. Transfer the dough to a greased baking pan and press it to the edges. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Dimple the dough with your fingers and drizzle with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Tomato Basil Soup:

This classic soup is rich in flavor with the sweet, tangy taste of ripe tomatoes and the fresh, aromatic scent of basil. The soup’s creaminess paired with the herby focaccia is a match made in heaven.

Ingredients for Soup:

• 4 cups diced tomatoes (or 2 cans of crushed tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth.
2. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add the fresh basil and cream, then blend until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with warm herb focaccia.

Local Restaurants with Delicious Soup

If you’re not in the mood to cook but want to indulge in some delicious, hearty soup, check out these local gems:

1. Grand Forks, ND: Smiling Moose Deli – Known for their savory signature soups, including their Spicy Chicken Enchilada soup, they also carry classics like Cream of Tomato Basil and Homestyle Chicken Noodle soup.
2. St. Cloud, MN: Olde Brick House – Offers comforting Irish soups like Hearty Guinness Stew and Seafood Chowder. Plus, you’ll receive Ciabatta bread and whipped butter if you order a crock size.
3. Detroit Lakes, MN: Lakeside Tavern – A local favorite for hearty soup options like their Brew House Beer Cheese Soup, Bread Bowl Chilli, and Chicken Wild Rice Soup.
4. Perham, MN: Brew Ales & Eats – Serves up a delicious Beer Cheese Soup that you can add a toasted baguette to.
5. Winona, MN: Acoustic Cafe – Offers a daily rotating selection of homemade soups. Check their website before visiting to see what soups they are serving that day.
6. Alexandria, MN: Willy T’s Tavern & Grill – A staple for hearty soups like Pot Roast Chilli and Turkey Wild Rice served in either a cup or bowl.
7. Fergus Falls, MN: Mama Sheena’s – Offers “fresh and fancy meals” and serves up unique and delicious soups, including their Asian Ginger Garlic and Veggie soup. They also serve classics like Tomato Basil Bisque, Chicken Wild Rice, and Chicken Enchilada.

Final Thoughts

These hearty bread and soup pairings are perfect for creating a cozy, rustic meal at home. Whether you try your hand at making sourdough with wild rice soup or serve up herb focaccia with tomato basil soup, you’ll be savoring the flavors in every bite. Don’t forget to check out the local restaurants for a comforting bowl of soup that’s ready to warm you up this season.

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