Princess Soup

This delectable onion and pimento soup recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet onions, creamy milk, and a touch of pimento spice. The gentle cooking process allows the onions to release their natural sweetness, resulting in a comforting and flavorful soup. Finished with a hint of cream, this soup is a perfect choice for a cozy meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 onions
• Scant 1/2 cup of butter
• 1 quart of hot milk
• 1 teaspoon of flour
• Milk (for dissolving flour)
• 2 teaspoons of finely chopped canned pimentos
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of cream (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. SLICE ONIONS: Begin by slicing 3 onions.
2. COOK ONIONS IN BUTTER: In a saucepan, cook the sliced onions in a scant half cup of butter for about ten minutes. The butter will help the onions become tender and flavorful.
3. ADD HOT MILK: After ten minutes, add 1 quart of hot milk to the saucepan. Continue to cook the mixture slowly for an additional ten minutes. This step allows the onions to infuse their flavor into the milk.
4. STRAIN INTO DOUBLE BOILER: Strain the onion and milk mixture into a double boiler. This step removes the onion pieces, leaving a smooth base for the soup.
5. THICKEN WITH FLOUR: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of flour in a little milk to create a smooth paste. Gradually add this paste to the strained milk and onion mixture. The flour will act as a thickening agent, giving the soup a desirable consistency.
6. ADD CHOPPED PIMENTOS: Just before serving, add 2 teaspoons of finely chopped canned pimentos to the soup. This adds a burst of color and a subtle pimento flavor to the dish.
7. SEASON: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
8. SERVE WITH CREAM: When serving, add 1 tablespoon of cream to each portion of the soup. This final touch adds a creamy richness to the dish.

TIPS:

• Onion Selection: Choose mild and sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla onions, to enhance the natural sweetness of the soup. You can also use yellow onions if desired.
• Thickening Technique: When dissolving the flour in milk, ensure there are no lumps in the mixture. Gradually add the flour paste to the soup while stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
• Pimento Flavor: Canned pimentos add a unique flavor to the soup. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of pimentos or omit them entirely.
• Creamy Finish: The addition of cream at the end provides a luxurious texture to the soup. You can adjust the amount of cream based on your preference for creaminess.
• Garnish: Consider garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.

This onion and pimento soup is a delightful starter or a comforting meal on its own. Serve it with a crusty bread roll or a side salad for a complete and satisfying dining experience. The sweetness of the onions combined with the subtle heat of the pimentos makes this soup a flavorful and memorable dish for any occasion.