I have always loved soups, they are warming & nourishing. For me, they bring back wonderful memories. My dad & a friend ran an old fashion lunch counter inside of a drug store. He learned to make many soups because people loved them, they were quick, easy and very inexpensive! He passed this skill on to me and I have always loved the process of making soup. My family enjoys my soups and it makes me feel close to my dad who passed away years ago.
For most soups you do not need a formal recipe. you just need the basic formula and the ability to get creative. Here is the basic formula:
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat
Sauté the vegetables (onion, garlic, celery, carrot) in healthy fat ( EVOO, organic avocado oil, organic ghee or grass-fed butter). if making a bean, lentil, split pea soup add them now.
Cook your meat ( if using meat) (for example, stew beef) or just saute cooked ham or ham bone with the vegetables to add flavor.
Add your soup base: chicken, beef or vegetable broth to the veggies, meat, and spices ( pick whatever spices you feel work). For example: when I make lentil soup I might add Indian spices and a squeeze of lemon, when making split pea perhaps add Mediterranean spices.
Taste and adjust
Simmer for an hour or two
Taste and adjust again. If you want to make it smooth & “creamy” use an immersion blender.
Make enough for several meals. Soup is the perfect freezer food. Portion it into meal-size containers and you will always have a healthy easy meal on hand.
It really is that easy. Planning ahead with easy healthy soups is one way to stay on track.
