Alaska Soups and Stews

There’s no getting around it – it’s cold outside. Winter has brought a beautiful cover of snow up North, but with it has come some frigid temperatures and right now all we want to do is curl up with a cozy blanket, a great book and a piping-hot bowl of delicious, hearty soup. Whether your outdoor temperatures are hovering around freezing or have plummeted below zero, these dishes from Alaska cooks will warm you up from the inside out.

• This comforting and delicious curried chicken and rice soup recipe by food blogger Alaska From Scratch uses apples for a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the fragrant curry.
• From the same blog, this decidedly Alaska take on a traditional bisque is a simple soup that showcases wild salmon.
• This Thai carrot rhubarb soup can be made with your leftover summer rhubarb haul, and in the summer months it can be served chilled for a refreshing warm-weather meal.
• Throwing together a last-minute dinner for the family? A Taste of Alaska’s quick and easy jambalaya can be made with moose sausage for some serious Alaska flavor.
• Perhaps one of the most quintessential Alaska dishes, smoked salmon chowder never fails to satisfy. Local and revered Chef Kirsten Dixon shares a delectable recipe for her own version that is not to be missed.
• What’s another delicious liquid that Alaskans love? Beer! This recipe for a satisfying chili is made with Alaskan Brewing Co.’s smoked porter and can even be made with Alaska bison.
• If you’re up for something a bit more exotic, try this twice-cooked oxtail stew with prunes, tomatos and carrots, from culinary star and cookbook author Kim Sunée.
• Of course, sometimes cooking (or a trip to the grocery store) is the last thing we want to do on the coldest of winter days. For those times, take a look at this compilation of favorite steamy soup bowls from Alaska journalist Julia O’Malley.

It doesn’t matter if you’re warming up in a local restaurant, ordering takeout or making a big pot of soup from scratch, we simply can’t think of any better way to beat those cold-weather days and nights up North.