We have had a few chilly days here in Raleigh. Overall, this winter has been very mild compared to others, but still…. a cold day is a cold day. And what comforts us on a cold day? Soup! Soup is my go-to as soon as the temperatures start to dip. The possibilities are endless; hearty chili, vegetable-filled minestrone, or creamy squash with apple. And the ease of throwing everything into a pot just seals the deal.
Whether it is store-bought soup or you are making it yourself, be mindful of the ingredients, as many are cream-based and can be high in calories. My favorite trick for making a creamy soup (without the cream, butter, etc) is to blend the vegetables such as squash, cauliflower, or carrots. When blended, they thicken up the soup and create a velvety texture– with no cream. I use an emersion blender right in the pot or I transfer batches over to a regular blender.
Looking for a healthy soup recipe? Below are a few of my favorites. All of these and a lot more can be found on our Pinterest board, Eat Smart: Soups & Stews.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Butternut Squash Soup (I add one green apple, slightly less of the broth that is called for, and then I blend it so it’s thick and “creamy”)
