Celebrate National Soup Month and take the chill out of winter. Soup, often loaded with vegetables, grains and legumes, can be a great addition to any diet. Enjoy soup as an appetizer, for a complete meal, or alongside a soup or sandwich. Research shows that people who consume soup regularly tend to eat healthier and are more likely to meet the U.S. Dietary Guideline recommendations. This filling comfort food can help manage hunger and can be a great tool for weight management efforts. There are so many reasons to enjoy a piping hot bowl of soup this month and all year long.
- Soup is Versatile. Whether you are hankering for a light, broth-based soup or a meaty chili, soup can hit the spot. Eat a bland soup for an unsettled stomach or enjoy spicy soup for a bold appetizer. The possibilities are endless.
- Soup can be Quick and Easy to make. Most soups take a cutting board, a knife, and a pot. It’s the ultimate one-dish meal with easy prep and easy clean up. Double up on the ingredients and freeze some in small containers to enjoy in the future.
- Soup can be a Vegetable Vehicle. Since soups do not require an exact recipe, it is easy to add extra ingredients, specifically vegetables. Chop up and add greens to a pot of soup. Or, try adding pureed squash for a creamy soup without added fat or unnecessary calories. Studies have shown that soups can improve vegetable tolerance for kids, and adults!
- Soups can be Low in fat and high in fiber. Many soups are loaded with beans, grains, and vegetables – ingredients are known for their low-fat and high-fiber composition.
- Soups can Satisfy. The high-water content of soups promote satiety in a healthy and hydrating way. If you skip the cream-based and cheese-based versions, soup tends to quench hunger with fewer calories than other forms of food.
- Soup is Perfect for Leftovers. The flavor of soup is even better the next day, so leftovers are quite enjoyable. Soup also transitions well from the stove to the freezer and then to the microwave.
- Substitutions are Easy. If the recipe calls for broccoli and you only have carrots, 9 times out of 10 this will work for your soup. Substitute rice for noodles, vegetable broth for beef broth, kidney beans for black beans, and turkey for chicken This may change the nature of your soup, but chances are it will still be delicious.
- Cook it and Forget it. Soup will happily simmer on the stove until you are ready to eat. Unlike many entrées, a hearty soup is one of the few main courses that will allow you to toss its ingredients into pot and walk away until dinnertime.
- Soup is Forgiving. Soups are hard to mess up. If you are not pleased with your first attempt, just add more of something, and it should be just fine!
- Soup smells Good. The aroma of soup with the herbs, spices, and vegetables will fill your home with a savory blend of wholesomeness.
Get out your favorite soup pot and start cooking. This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Make it on a lazy day when you can put up a pot and let it simmer for an hour or two. Or try this hearty Minestrone Soup recipe for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Speaking of comfort, this Asian Veggie Noodle Bowl is a soothing way to get through a chilly winter day. The options are endless.
