There’s something magical about the Winter … the changing light, the brisk air … and most of all, sitting around the campfire with hot cider and a big bowl of belly warming soup or stew! And after a long day of hiking and exploration, it’s exactly what’s needed to restore, revitalize and warm you to your core.
We’ve compiled a list of 7 of our most popular soups & stews — made in small batches with whole foods and quality ingredients to create a balanced serving of protein, nutritious veggies and legumes!
(1) Open the pouch, (2) add boiling water, (3) cozy up next to the fire for 10-15 minutes and — voila! — you’re next home cooked meal is ready to soothe your hunger and lift your spirits!
TEXAS STATE FAIR CHILI
Ranch chili with beef, red beans & smoked peppers, topped with corn chips, cheese and Texas Pete Hot Sauce
The Texas State Fair Chili is definitely the fan favorite all year long, but especially when the temperature drops, “chili” is exactly what we crave to cure those winter “chills” ???? This homestyle Chili is thick, full-flavored and chock full of ground beef, red and kidney beans and chunks of roasted tomato. It’s got some spice to it, but as long as you’re not super sensitive or adverse to spice, it blends with the overall flavors nicely.
Top it off with the included corn chips, Monterey jack cheese, and a splash of the Texas Pete Hot Sauce, and you’ll taste what all of those rave reviews are about!
Required: 12 ounces of boiling water; spoon
Serving Size: 18 ounces
Calories: 680 / Protein: 39 grams / Dietary: Gluten-Conscious
View Texas State Fair Chili >>>
SHEPHERD’S COTTAGE PIE
Seasoned ground beef & herbed vegetables in a rich gravy topped with cheddar mashed potatoes
If you consider yourself a meat and potatoes kind of person … this dish is for you! The cheddar mashed potatoes are fluffy, the beefy gravy is rich and savory, and the carrots, peas and corn round it out with pops of sweetness and bright fresh flavors. Home-cooked comfort food for sure!
The Cheddar Mashed Potatoes are packed in a separate cook-in-bag and included in the meal pouch, making this a two-part meal.
Required: 14 ounces of boiling water; spoon
Serving Size: 16 ounces
Calories: 660 / Protein: 36 grams
View Shepherd’s Cottage Pie >>>
AUSTINTACIOUS TORTILLA SOUP
Chipotle chicken, cilantro rice, black beans & corn topped with tortilla bits, jack cheese & Cholula Hot Sauce
Tortilla Soup is traditional Mexican cuisine and it’s spicy goodness is guaranteed to cure whatever ails you!
This is the only “soup” on our list, meaning it has more liquid than the other dishes resulting in a lighter entrée. But don’t let that fool you — the flavor of this soup packs a punch! So much so that it rivals the Texas State Fair Chili as the most popular meal on the menu.
The sweet corn and roasted tomatoes balance out the complex chipotle-spiced broth, and the topping of tortilla chips adds in a crunch that takes it over the top! Other traditional topping are included — jack cheese, a lime wedge (in the form of dehydrated lime) and a packet of Cholula Hot Sauce for an extra kick!
Required: 12 ounces of boiling water; spoon
Serving Size: 14 ounces
Calories: 370 / Protein: 23 grams / Dietary Considerations: Gluten-Conscious
View Austintacious Tortilla Soup >>>
TUSCAN BEEF STEW & ITALIAN POLENTA
Roasted beef & vegetables in a burgundy wine bone broth with creamy parmesan polenta
This hearty beef stew is one of those dishes that feels decadent (especially with that dollop of parmesan polenta on top!), but with over 10 nutritious veggies and grass-fed roast beef, it’s a meal that’s good for your body and your tastebuds! Carrots, corn, tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, mushrooms, green beans, bell peppers, shallots and green onions all swim in a red wine, basil and beef broth … add your side of parmesan polenta on top and it truly tastes like a dish from home.
The Parmesan Polenta is packed in a separate cook-in-bag and included in the meal pouch, making this a two-part meal.
Required: 14 ounces of boiling water; spoon
Serving Size: 16 ounces
Calories: 560 / Protein: 41 grams / Dietary Considerations: Gluten-Conscious
View Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta >>>
POBLANO CORN CHOWDER
Sweet creamed corn with zucchini, shallots & green chilies in a rich chicken stock chowder
Sweet, spicy and creamy come together to create a meal that will literally warm you from the inside out. And we’re not just talking about the temperature, this dish features green chiles that deliver a slow burn that tends to build the more you eat. But don’t worry, the sweet creamed corn chowder keeps the spice at bay and together they make magic!
Required: 11 ounces of boiling water; spoon
Serving Size: 12 ounces
Calories: 420 / Protein: 15 gram
View Poblano Corn Chowder >>>
DOTTIE’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
Roasted chicken, mushrooms, leeks, peas & corn with southern-style dumplings in a rich broth
Think about an herby Southern version of chicken noodle soup — packed with veggies, big chunks of roasted chicken, and flattened “dumplings” (more doughy than biscuit-like). It’s a crowd pleaser for all ages (and great for the kiddos!) with comforting, familiar flavors.
Required: 12 ounces of boiling water; spoon
Serving Size: 16 ounces
Calories: 370 / Protein: 44 grams
View Dottie’s Chicken and Dumplings >>>
THE ‘BIG EASY’ CAJUN GUMBO
Andouille-spiced chicken, okra & tomatoes with gumbo file, long grain Louisiana rice & Tabasco
This rich and smoky dish delivers all the flavors of a traditional gumbo with bursts of roasted corn and tomatoes, diced okra and smoked chicken. It’s mild on its own, but can be spiced up with the included packet of Tabasco Hot Sauce!
Pro Tip: Pack dried sausage links and slice them into the Gumbo to take it over the top!
Required: 16 ounces of boiling water; spoon
Serving Size: 14 ounces
Calories: 390 / Protein: 36 grams
View The ‘Big Easy’ Cajun Gumbo >>>
See Packit Gourmet’s full menu of over 45 trail meals here!