Healthy Soups

Posted by Joseph Erdos

It's the season for soups, especially ones that are healthy for you. And what could be more healthful than a steaming hot bowl of comforting soup for those who are feeling under the weather? The following soups are low in fat and packed in protein while remaining flavorful and crave-worthy.

The ultimate in comfort soups is this chicken and rice soup. It's the kind of soup that always reminds us of mom. Freeze extra portions for the months ahead -- just thaw and reheat whenever you need to re-energize.

Chowder is one of my favorite winter soups. By using a base of tomato instead of cream, this Manhattan fish chowder is healthier than the version from New England. A few slices of bacon, a traditional ingredient, flavors the soup along with a can of clam juice. Chunks of tilapia are then added in the last minutes to keep the fish from overcooking or breaking apart.

Enjoy soup while getting the proper daily servings of greens in these all-in-one dinner soups. This sausage and kale soup has half-moon slices of chicken sausage, which makes it seem like there's more sausage. This chunky turkey vegetable soup features pantry staples like canned tomatoes, canned broth, and sweet potatoes. Simply add leftover turkey and the soup is all set.

This Lentil Soup is hearty and vegetarian friendly. It's a new year's custom in many countries to cook with lentils because the little legumes resemble coins and are said to bring good fortune. So while enjoying this soup you have a better chance of gaining some prosperity this new year.

What healthy soups do you enjoy during the winter months?

Comments

[Sigari]

What's the best way to freeze soup, please? Can I use/reuse glass containers, like the ones sold containing pasta sauce? Should I really use plastic containers? (I know that's kind of a hot issue now.) How much room should I leave at the top of the jar or container? Thanks for any help posted!

[Joseph Erdos]

Dear Sigari,

The best containers for freezing soups are plastic containers or plastic bags, which can be stacked easily. These plastics are safe. Glass is not safe for freezing as it may break at such low temperatures. Leave about 1/2-inch space.

Thanks. Happy Freezing!