Autumn…what a fantastic time of year for hot and hearty soups to warm up your insides. The only way to make it better is to make it super easy! Here are 4 wholesome soups that are easy to make and healthy for you too.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
I have never been a picky eater, but I’ve had to cook for many. Due to this, my miraculous go-to for a favorite on everyone’s list was my Chicken Tortilla Soup. In addition to just tasting great, it is so easy to make. A plus for any busy mom or dad! Combine shredded chicken, chicken broth, taco seasoning, corn stripped from the cob, black beans and a can of mild Rotel tomatoes in a big soup pot, let it cook together for about 20 mins on a low simmer. Put a handful of tortilla chips in a bowl and cover with the soup. Top with green onions, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese and wallah, a dinner everyone enjoys!
Sweet Potato Soup
Cooking homemade meals with non-processed foods is a must for anyone trying to be healthy. With this in mind, homemade soups that are rich in nutrients boost immune health, help with weight management by keeping you full longer, and can even help with such things as inflammation. Win win. With that said, my sweet potato soup is a super wholesome meal you have to try. Pair your chopped sweet potatoes with sliced zucchini, carrots, celery, garlic and onion in either vegetable or chicken broth to simmer until all veggies are soft. Adding a pound of grass fed ground beef or bison will make it an even heartier soup. Season with cinnamon, salt, pepper, turmeric and your family will thank you!
Mashed Potato Soup
Okay, this next one might not make the top ten healthiest meals, but it is to die for! While potatoes can be high in starches, they are also a great source of potassium, fiber and, believe it or not, vitamin C. I use 2% milk, real butter and russet potatoes, though you can also chose to use red potatoes. You can also add a little heavy cream. I make my soup to where it’s a little creamier than the consistency of mashed potatoes. That’s the secret! Top with green onions, real bacon and sour cream!
Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup
Vegetable soup, especially when homemade, is to die for. Add a little beef in there, and perfection has been attained! Actually, this soup can be made with all kinds of alternatives. For instance, I use grass-fed beef, but you can sub ground turkey, bison or even lamb. Vegetables enhance the flavor of the soup so don’t skimp! Add in carrots, green beans, onions, celery, squash, kale, spinach and potatoes. Simmer in vegetable broth or beef broth for a perfect well rounded meal.
No Recipes??!!
I know many people don’t understand it, but I hardly ever measure when I’m cooking. So here are some tips for the recipes above. I use about 6 large potatoes when making potato soups. I use a 32 oz carton of broth or about 4 cups of homemade broth. You can add more as needed. In addition, I use 1-2 lbs of meat. I try to make enough soup for a family of 4 with second helpings in mind! For seasonings, start with 1-2 teaspoons per seasoning, and then add from there if needed to taste. Garlic is strong so 1-3 cloves are probably plenty. Make these soups your own and enjoy!
