What’s better on a cold winter day than a steamy bowl of hot soup. Nothing! Soup checks all the boxes. Soup offers a one pot meal that can include an unlimited combination of ingredients. A large batch or soup can easily cover more than one meal. Typically, clean-up is minimal. Soup is a great dish for a variety of palettes and can be tailored to be spicy, savory or sweet.
There are many reasons to celebrate Homemade Soup Day on February 4th .
- Soup is delicious. A single bowl of soup can bring together so many herbs and spices, all of them unique and tasty in their own way.
This Sweet Potato Ginger Soup has a wonderfully creamy texture from the pureed sweet potatoes and soy creamer. - The best thing about soup is that no flavor gets left out. The options are so diverse that soup can be enjoyed by all. For example, those who prefer traditional, mild soups may enjoy Chicken Noodle. For those looking for a bit of heat, this Spicy Chicken Bean Soup will do the trick.
- Since soup is relatively easy to prepare, the option to experiment using different ingredients and cooking techniques opens a range of different kinds of soups with the option to discover new seasonings and condiments. For a twist on a traditional chicken soup, this Santa Fe Chicken Soup, loaded with hearty black beans, corn and brown rice is a tasty choice.
- Experience different cuisines and explore soups from other nationalities. Each culture has its own way of preparing and enjoying soup. This Asian Mushroom soup is an aromatic vegetarian option that is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Or give this Spicy Thai Cauliflower Soup recipe a try. Coconut milk and pureed cauliflower create a smooth and creamy combination that you will love.
Follow these helpful tips for making soup both delicious and nutritious:
- Soups can be thick and hearty, smooth and creamy, or savory. Soups are very forgiving. Even when following a recipe, there is always room for variations. With that said, there are many ways to make your soup a bit healthier.
- Soups are often high in sodium. If starting off with a commercial broth, opt for the reduced or low sodium version. If making your own broth, season with herbs and spices and hold back on the saltshaker. If you want a hint of salt, sprinkle in just prior to eating.
- If your soup recipe uses cream as a thickener, consider reducing the amount you use by replacing half or all of it with 2%, skim or nut milk. You can also thicken soup with mashed beans or potatoes, skipping the dairy entirely.
- If adding milk or cream to your soup, be sure to warm it up first for a rich and creamy texture. Cold milk or cream will curdle when added to hot soup.
- When including proteins, opt for leaner picks like ground turkey or chicken breast and lower fat meats. Include vegetable proteins like lentils, beans and chickpeas. If you want the real thing, like sausage or bacon, remember a little bit can go a long way.
- Add plenty of plant-based options to bulk up your standard soup. Heartier ingredients like potatoes and beans stand up well to cooking and high temperatures. Other vegetables like kale and spinach should be added later in the cooking process.
- When chopping vegetables, think about how big you want them to be on the spoon. Greens such as spinach and kale need to be chopped, or they will be difficult to eat.
- If the soup recipe calls for noodles, substitute a whole-grain product for a refined product – such as whole-wheat noodles, barley, farro or brown rice instead of white rice or regular pasta.
- Cook once, eat twice. Homemade soups can be made ahead of time and in large quantities. Eat refrigerated soup within three to four days or freeze it. *If you plan on freezing your soup, do not add the noodles. Instead, add noodles to the soup after it has thawed and brought back to a boil.
Soup is as old as the history of cooking itself. Its concept is very simple, that is why combining different nutritious ingredients into a large pot has been used for centuries. Celebrate National Homemade Soup Day this year. Experiment with new recipes, get your whole family involved or host a soup night with friends.
