“Revival” Soup Dip

Have you ever made a DELICIOUS soup, enjoyed several (maybe many) servings, then realized that there isn’t enough for even just one more serving?? Have no fear—that wonderful flavor will not go to waste if you make a DIP from it. You HAVE the base—your minute amount of soup. Now think of things to add to it that will add to the flavor profile. Case in point—you know how much I like my Black Bean Soup recipe (https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1948529140639904676/1370595560309938766). I was at the end of the batch. I remembered that years ago, a friend served an amazing bean dip with the custom sandwich lunch she prepared. Rarely shy about asking for a recipe, when I did, she tossed her head back with a hearty laugh, then said “it’s from a mix”.  She told me where she bought the mix and I went shopping. It was one of those cute (but expensive) kitchen stores. I found the dip mix, purchased the other required ingredients (regular grocery/pantry items) and made the dip. It really was one of the BEST dips I have ever tasted.  I did not keep track of the brand/label and have thought about it many times since.  Moves to other states reduced the chances that I would ever find that packaged mix again. Armed with approximately 1 cup of my Black Bean Soup, I decided to try.  I added ½ tsp. Mesquite Liquid Smoke, 1.5 Tbsp. prepared BBQ sauce and ½ cup fresh shredded mild cheddar cheese. (The liquid smoke & BBQ sauce ADDED to the flavor and the cheese thickened the soup and made a great dip for tortilla chips). I am glad I tried it. I will try more!  Now, of course, this will not work with all soups (especially fish/seafood soups) but has the potential to work with many. Here are a couple I am going to try: (these are no-brainers) French Onion Soup added to sour cream or plain yogurt; Creamy Vegetable Chowder added to sour cream or plain yogurt or softened cream cheese.  To thicken, fresh shredded cheese is always a good option.  Dippers don’t always have to be a variety of chips—try veggie sticks, crackers, fried cheese chips https://scratchonly.blogspot.com/2022/05/fried-cheese.html (my favorite). Let yourself go with your creative ideas to make your own version of your end-of-soup revival.