Can I make soup cubes with oats in a soup cube tray?
As a supplier of soup cube trays, I often get asked various questions about the functionality and versatility of our products. One question that has popped up recently is whether it's possible to make soup cubes with oats in a soup cube tray. Let's delve into this topic and explore the feasibility, benefits, and potential challenges of using oats in soup cube making.
Understanding the Basics of Soup Cube Trays
Before we discuss oats, it's important to understand what soup cube trays are. These trays are designed to help you portion and freeze homemade soup into convenient, bite - sized cubes. They come in different materials and designs. For instance, we offer the Two - compartment Soup Cube Tray, which allows you to create two different types of soup cubes in one tray, and the Silicone Soup Cube Tray, known for its flexibility and easy release of frozen cubes.
The Feasibility of Using Oats in Soup Cubes
Oats are a nutritious and versatile ingredient. They are rich in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. From a technical standpoint, it is entirely possible to make soup cubes with oats in a soup cube tray.
When you add oats to your soup mixture, they absorb the liquid in the soup as it cooks. This can result in a thicker, heartier soup cube. The oats also tend to hold their shape well during the freezing process, which means that your soup cubes will maintain their integrity in the tray.
Benefits of Making Soup Cubes with Oats
- Nutritional Value: Oats are a great addition to any diet. By including them in your soup cubes, you are adding a significant nutritional boost. The fiber in oats can help with digestion, and the protein can keep you feeling full for longer periods.
- Texture: Oats add a pleasant, chewy texture to the soup cubes. This can make your soup more interesting and satisfying to eat.
- Convenience: Once you've made your oat - infused soup cubes, you can easily pop them into a pot of boiling water or broth whenever you want a quick and healthy meal. They are perfect for busy days when you don't have time to cook a full - fledged soup from scratch.
Potential Challenges
- Over - thickening: One potential issue is that if you add too many oats to your soup mixture, it can become overly thick. This might make it difficult to pour the soup into the soup cube tray evenly. To avoid this, it's recommended to start with a small amount of oats (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per liter of soup) and adjust according to your preference.
- Storage: Oats can absorb moisture over time, even in the freezer. To prevent your soup cubes from becoming too dry or developing freezer burn, make sure to store them in an air - tight container or freezer bag.
How to Make Soup Cubes with Oats in a Soup Cube Tray
Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley
- Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until they are softened.
- Add the rolled oats to the pot and stir well to coat them with the oil and the vegetables.
- Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 - 30 minutes, or until the oats are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
- Once the soup has cooled slightly, carefully pour it into your soup cube tray. You can use a ladle or a measuring cup for this.
- Place the tray in the freezer and let the soup cubes freeze completely, which usually takes about 4 - 6 hours.
- Once frozen, you can remove the soup cubes from the tray and store them in a freezer bag or air - tight container.
Tips for Success
- Soak the Oats: If you want your soup cubes to have a creamier texture, you can soak the oats in water or milk for about 30 minutes before adding them to the soup. This will make them softer and more absorbent.
- Use the Right Tray: Make sure to choose a soup cube tray that is the right size for your needs. Our silicone trays are particularly good for this purpose as they are easy to clean and the cubes pop out easily.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making soup cubes with oats in a soup cube tray is not only possible but also a great way to add nutrition and variety to your meals. Whether you're looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these oat - infused soup cubes are a perfect solution.
If you're interested in purchasing high - quality soup cube trays for your own soup - making adventures, we'd love to hear from you. Our trays are made from durable materials and are designed to make your life easier in the kitchen. Contact us to discuss your requirements and explore our range of products. We're here to help you create delicious and nutritious soup cubes with ease.
References
- "The Complete Book of Soups" by Jane Brody
- "Oats: Health Benefits and Nutritional Value" - Journal of Nutrition Science