Delight in the winter season with a variety of comforting soup recipes to warm you up. Last week soup was discussed as a versatile food that can reduce symptoms of colds and flus. As we enter the chilly winter months, it is not uncommon to drink less than required. While you may not be as hot and sweaty as in summer, you do still lose fluid during daily activities and exercise.
Since soups are mostly liquid, they are a great way to stay hydrated AND to give your immune system a boost. Not only that but they are inexpensive, easy to prepare AND they freeze well. Read on for some yummy soup recipes that will keep you warm & healthy this winter season!
Vegetable soup
A personal favourite that can ensure no waste is left in the fridge. A vegetable soup is also supercharged with seasonal vegetables, ensuring the family get their vitamin and mineral requirements.
Simply add
- 2tbsp of olive oil,
- 2 onions,
- 2 sweet potatoes,
- 2 carrots,
- 2 parsnips,
- 1 red chilli,
- 1tbsp of ground cumin,
- 75g of dried green lentils,
- 1.3L vegetable stock,
- 425ml of milk,
- 100g of greek yoghurt and
- 1 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves
This will leave you with a perfectly balanced meal with carbs, protein, colour and fats. After mixing the veg on olive oil, add the lentils and stock to the pan. Bring to the boil and lower heat and simmer for 25 mins until veg are tender and lentils are soft. Blitz until smooth with the milk and add a little extra water or stock if necessary, Season, reheat, add your Greek yoghurt and enjoy.
Slow cooker tomato soup
Who doesn’t love a slow cooker favourite that they can leave to simmer all day and not have to worry about! This low-calorie masterpiece allows you to customise the soups consistency. If you prefer tinner and more delicate soup just stir in more water.
All you need to do is tip:
- 2x400g cans chopped tomatoes,
- 1 chopped red onion,
- 1 chopped carrot,
- 1 rosemary spring,
- 2tbsp of tomato puree,
- 1 vegetable stock cube and
- 2 bay leaves to a slow cooker
Then just add 500ml of hot water and leave on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. When that’s done, remove the rosemary and blend the soup until smooth. Here is where you can add more water for a smoother consistency. Spoon into bowls and enjoy. I would recommending having a protein source alongside this to ensure a balanced meal.
Chicken noodle soup
A low fat, low calorie, high protein making it a great option for weight loss in the winter months (because this is where the summer bodies are made!).
For this one we start by
- pouring 900ml of chicken or vegetable stock into a pan and
- adding about 200g of chicken breast
- garlic and ginger (2 great antioxidants to minimise cold and flu symptoms).
Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat, partly cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender. Then chop up the chicken on a board and return it to the stock with:
- noodles,
- 2-3 mushrooms,
- 2 spring onions and
- 2tbsp of soy sauce.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are tender. Voila! Top with more onion, basil or mint leaves and chilli and eat.
In summary
In conclusion, these immune-boosting winter soup recipes are your go-to for staying cozy and healthy all season long. During the winter, these soups can be used as an ideal way to boost your health in a budget friendly way. They can be made as quick midweek lunches or pre-prepped as yummy dinner party starters. You can thank me later!
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