Decoding the Culinary Crossword: A Soup Recipe as a Clue
Hey crossword fanatics! This week’s puzzle threw me for a loop with a particularly tricky clue: a seemingly simple phrase that, upon closer inspection, revealed itself to be a surprisingly complex culinary instruction. Forget obscure historical figures or archaic slang; this clue was all about the art of soup-making!
Instead of giving away the answer directly (where’s the fun in that?), I’m sharing the recipe itself – think of it as a cryptic crossword clue in edible form. Cracking this code will unlock not only the answer to the clue but a delicious bowl of comfort food. So, sharpen your culinary wits, fellow solvers, and let’s dive into the recipe! The answer to the crossword clue is hidden within the steps…can you find it?
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup green lentils, rinsed
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This initial step involves a specific cooking technique… remember that!
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, its delicate flavour is key. This step might relate to the timing of another ingredient…
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the lentils, thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally, preventing sticking. A crucial step for the consistency of the soup and relates directly to the clue!
5. Once the lentils are cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember to consider the overall flavour profile for your final answer.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. The aroma is the final clue you need to find the answer to the crossword clue.
This recipe is your cryptic crossword clue. Decipher the steps, the techniques, the timing – the answer is waiting within this delicious puzzle! Good luck, and happy solving (and eating)! Let me know in the comments if you cracked the code and what you think of the soup! Remember to use the hashtagscrosswordcluecrosswordpuzzlesouprecipecrypticclue when you share your answers!
Available Answers:
STIR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 8 Jan 25, Wednesday