Warm up with These Healthy Soup Recipes for National Soup Month!

January marks not only the beginning of a new calendar year but also the celebration of National Soup Month. Soups are all-time favorites among health-conscious individuals because they are packed with essential nutrients, low in calories, and they can help you stay satisfied.

The roots of soup can be traced back to the ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece and Rome. In the Middle Ages, soup became a staple among European peasants, who utilized every opportunity to make use of leftovers. In the modern world, soup has evolved into a widely consumed and comforting meal that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The health benefits of soup are numerous, offering a solution for various health concerns. Broths, in particular, can help optimize the immune system by providing a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the high water content in soups can help regulate body temperature, improve hydration and facilitate digestion. Given these benefits, it’s no surprise that soups have become an integral part of a healthy diet.

If you’re trying to manage your weight, soup is a great option for because you can use low-calorie ingredients. To kickstart your journey, here are three healthy, low-calorie soup recipes that will warm you up and nourish your body.

Tomato soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 can of tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
2. Add celery and carrots, cooking for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Add the canned tomatoes, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes.
4. Add water, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
5. Cover and simmer for around 20 minutes.
6. Remove bay leaf and puree the soup until smooth.

Vegetable soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until onion and garlic are translucent.
2. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, and broth. Stir and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 cans of chicken broth
• 1/2 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup of cooked egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth, noodles, and shredded chicken. Simmer for a few more minutes.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chives.

Conclusion

National Soup month provides an excellent opportunity to explore diverse soup recipes while staying healthy by avoiding high fat ingredients such as heavy cream. The soups mentioned above are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, helping you stay on track with your healthy eating plans. So, grab a bowl of soup, savor its comforting flavors, and indulge in the best of health this National Soup Month!