3 Simple Soup Recipes You Need to Try!!

I know I sound like a broken record, but-WOW-Is it COLD today! Many of you have kiddos at home and are staying in your warm PJs longer than usual, making the best of it, right?  I don’t know about you, but I am thinking about warm soup!

I know there are tons of recipes and suggestions out there-but I typically only post recipes I know are yummy and easy (and super healthy). Here are three that are regulars in my home and that I introduce to clients in our cooking sessions.  I know you will love them!  Enjoy and stay warm!

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup (The South Beach Diet) 8-10 servings

1 lb. bag of frozen winter veggies (Broc/Cauli) mix or one 8 oz. bag of each

1 1/2 cans of low sodium, fat-free chicken broth (about 3 cups if making your own)

1/2 can of diced tomatoes with or w/o chilies-I use the whole can

4-5 oz. low fat cream cheese (half a brick, usually), cubed

salt/pepper to taste

Place the frozen veggies, broth and tomatoes in a pot and bring to a boil.  Lower the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add the cubed cream cheese and let it melt as you stir it in.  You can use a potato masher to mash the veggies or leave them whole (I love to mash them, makes the soup creamy-yum!)

Vegetable Beef Soup (South Beach Diet) 8-10 servings

1-2 T. EVOO

1 lb. stew beef (as lean as possible), cubed

1 rib of celery, chopped fine

1/2 lg onion, chopped fine

1/4 lb. green beans, cut into 1″ pieces

5 cups of water or beef broth

1/4 small head of cabbage, coarsely chopped/shredded (2-3 c)

1/4 (10 oz.) bag spinach, coarsely chopped/shredded

1 can diced tomatoes

pepper to taste

**adjustments: I do not add the spinach-just don’t care for the combination, so I add a little more of the other veggies; I use canned green beans, just dump the can in, juice and all, no chopping; when I use water -instead of beef stock) I add beef bouillon cubes.  Also, you can use left over steak, cut in bite-sized pieces – you can cut the cooking time in half.

Heat the oil in a large sauce pan and brown the steak if it isn’t already cooked. Remove the meat to a plate with a paper towel and blot to remove excess fat/oil. Using remainder of oil (left in pan, or add a bit) add the celery, onions and green beans and cook until tender. Stirring regularly. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 min.-up to an hour if you want, depending on how well done the steak is after browning and how well done you want it at the finish. Super tasty and filling!

Stuffed Pepper Soup (from Peak313.com, revised from Taste of Home) 10-12 servings

2 lbs. ground beef (I use extra lean Turkey, cuts some cal/fat)

2 qts.  Hot water

1 can (28 oz) tomato sauce (lower sugar/salt is better)

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (low salt/sugar)

2 cups pre-cooked, long-grain/wild/brown/ or sprouted rice  OR 2 cups cooked barley

2 cups chopped green peppers (about 3 med. Peppers) you can probably use whatever colors you like

¼ cup brown sugar (I use less, and I use Splenda or other lower cal)

2 tsp. beef bouillon granules (I use 4 cubes) or the equivalent in beef broth, adjust hot water amount

1 tsp pepper

(I add 1-2 tsp minced garlic for some added flavor)

In a Dutch oven, brown the meat.  Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 min. or until peppers are tender.  (makes about 10 servings).  If you want to use a crockpot, just brown the meat ahead** and put it all in the crockpot, set to low and cook for 4-6 hours.

**I often brown the meat when I buy it, portion it out in freezer bags, then throw it in-it thaws while cooking, retaining moisture and saving time-just add a few minutes to the simmering time!

 

So, there you have it!  Dinner for tonight and the rest of this cold wintry weekend!  Stay warm and safe, and make good choices like the soups above!

Be well-Your Best Fitness Friend

 

**Disclaimer-These are all very healthy and provide good carbs, lower, good fat, low sugar, higher fiber and high protein. However, I did not include nutritional values, to save time and space and because these are variations of the originals and I do not want to represent them incorrectly.  If you google the names, you can probably come close to the values, if you are so inclined.  I refrain from focusing on counting calories, I just try my best to make them count for me!