GFS Weather Soup
A hearty, cloud-like soup inspired by NOAA's GFS weather data, featuring layered vegetable broths and a 'thunderstorm' of herbs. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs medium Carrots, stalks Celery, large Potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium Carrots
- 2 stalks Celery
- 1 large Potatoes
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 2 medium carrots, 2 stalks celery, and 1 large potato into 1/4-inch cubes. Finely chop 1/2 cup onion and mince 2 cloves garlic.
- Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp water, and sauté onions and garlic for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot, then pour in 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.
- Step 4: Remove bay leaf, then blend half the soup with an immersion blender until smooth—this creates the 'cloud base' texture.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp thyme and 1/4 cup heavy cream, then simmer for 5 more minutes until the soup is thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does GFS Weather Soup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover GFS Weather Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in GFS Weather Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale GFS Weather Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with GFS Weather Soup?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
