“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go let it snow, let is snow, let it snow.” We are a week shy of Christmas and here in the Midwest we are experiencing our first, true, winters snow. Even though the snow is peaceful and calming, as I watch it fall from window, outside it is truly frightful. Per the “Let is Snow” song, I really do not have any place to go but, I do need to make dinner. Since I have not gone to the grocery store, nor plan on going, this cold winters day is a perfect time for soup.
Benefits of Soup
- Vegetables –> You can pack a soup with vegetables that not only provide an array of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber.
- Low Fat –> Broth based soups with lean meats are very filling without the gilt.
- Affordable –> By using frozen or canned vegetables and stock made from your protein of choice soup can serve a family for a couple meals at a low price.
Bump up the Nutritional Value in your Soup
- Liquid oil like olive or canola oil to sauté vegetables instead of butter.
- Unsalted stock or broth in order to control the amount of salt in your soup. Plus, broth based soups are not as calorically dense as cream based soups.
- Lean protein: fish, chicken, pork and beef cuts that include “loin” or “round” in the name.
- Mix it up using a variety of vegetables and colors! Squash, asparagus, sweet potato, kale, bell peppers, you name it!
- Try different spice combinations to add flavor without a lot of sodium or fat. For example: rosemary and thyme go well with beef.
- Make it vegetarian! Use beans, tofu, or even grains like quinoa for protein sources.
Soup doesn’t have to be a complicated dish or meal. Rather, it is a great way to use what you have in your freezer to make a delicious and filling meal. You can even use leftover meat and vegetables to make a great tasting soup. Make it to taste but don’t forget, soups get better with time so tomorrow soup will taste even better than todays!
Stay Warm and Happy Healthy Holidays!
References:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/493740-7-day-vegetable-soup-diet/