Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are behind me, it’s time for me to clean up my eating a bit. I have been indulging since November. So, when I decide it’s time to buckle up, I turn to healthier soup recipes. Depending on what mood I’m in, I can prepare a recipe to satisfy that. Plus, they are hearty and filling enough for dinner.
“An Italian flavored soup that my grandmother used to make,” shares Rose Rauhauser or her Tuscan Sausage and Vegetable Soup. “It’s simple, easy, and packed full of vitamins with all the veggies in it.”
Rose’s yummy soup has the rich flavor of sweet Italian sausage mixed with fresh herbs and vegetables. They balance together perfectly after simmering for an hour or so.
I like the idea of blending a can of beans for thickness; it’s a great tip. And, the cheese on top is a must! It adds an extra pop of flavor.
Another bean-based recipe that’s delicious is Cynthia Holbert’s White Bean & Spinach Soup.
“Finally a yummy healthy Italian soup,” thinks Cynthia, and I couldn’t agree more.
The zesty cayenne and lovely black wild rice make this recipe kicky in more ways than one. Turkey sausage adds additional protein to the soup and bulks it up. The hardest part for preparation is sauteeing carrots, celery, and onions.
“When the weather starts to turn cold, this is a family favorite,” says Susan Thomas (Wildwood, NJ). “Warms your soul!”
On a cold night, Susan’s Mushroom Barley Soup will warm you up. The sauteed fresh mushrooms add an earthy richness that just can’t be beat. Barley is high in fiber, so this soup will keep you full.
With chili, kidney, and black beans plus the addition of rice, the consistency of Julie Penman’s (Salt Lake City, UT) Buffalo Style Chicken And Rice Soup is more of a chili than a soup; it’s delicious.
“This healthy and hearty soup combines the same great flavors of Frank’s brand hot wings served with carrots and celery with blue cheese dressing,” explains Julie. “But, this is a less guilty, less messy recipe that you eat with a spoon.”
I loved the spice and flavor Buffalo sauce adds to the soup. The seasonings blend well together. Super tasty, a delicious (healthier) meal when watching football.
An easy slow cooker soup recipe should be in everyone’s recipe box and I encourage you to try Teressa Drenth’s (Kalamazoo, MI) Kickin’ Chicken Taco Soup.
“Six cans and some chicken… that’s how easy this recipe is,” jokes Teressa.
The soup is packed with flavor and texture. It can be as spicy or mild as you like. If you like a big kick, use spicy salsa and Rotel. Using a packet of taco seasoning adds so much flavor and is super simple.
A reason I love soup when I’m trying to be a bit better with my meals is that they’re healthy, but can feel indulgent. Packed with flavor, any of these five Blue Ribbon healthier soup recipes will be a delicious way to kick off the new year. Happy Pinching!