We have all been avoiding the dreaded word, “Autumn”. We enjoy summer and we love the changing colors that come with the new season but it is always hard to hear that summer is over. Here at NIHCA we like to embrace the Minnesota cooler temperatures with what is becoming a tradition known as Office Soup Day. We all take turns making a delicious soup and we share it with everyone. Our bowls are starting to line up. Bring your own bowl but bring your appetite if you are ever in the area on one of our soup days.
We found an article on foodnetwork.com that is right up our alley, “8 Healthy Soups You Need to Make This Fall” by Leah Scalzadonna. Click on the article to find the links to these fabulous soups that just may be in our office one day soon.
8 Healthy Soups You Need to Make This Fall
All of the comfort with none of the guilt.
By: Leah Scalzadonna
It’s fall, y’all. With the changing of the seasons often comes the changing of your cravings – fresh watermelon was great in the summer, but colder weather is meant for comfort food. If you’re looking for an ultra-satisfying meal that won’t leave you in a food coma, curl up with a big bowl of these good-for-you soups. They’re cozy, healthy and guaranteed to warm you from the inside-out.
Butternut Squash Soup When you’re craving those cozy fall flavors, look to Food Network Kitchen’s butternut squash soup. This low-cal delight requires just six ingredients – and you probably have most of them in the pantry already. The key to the soup is the squash (obvi): it’s simmered in chicken broth, then puréed for a rich, creamy texture.
Chicken soup that’s ready in less than an hour? Yes, please! Store-bought chicken broth and water create the base of this protein-packed soup, which gets its warm flavor from hearty veggies and leftover roast chicken. Stir in rice for the last 10 minutes of cooking and you’ll have a filling, low-fat soup that’s just as soothing as Grandma’s.
Ever wonder how Italian Wedding Soup got its name? According to Giada, it’s because the flavors of the tender meatballs, light chicken broth and spicy endive marry together so well. Her sugar-free recipe lives up to its name while being friendly to your waistline.
As Ina says, “it’s nice to have something that’s delicious and good for you.” She simmers half of her split peas to form a rich base, then stirs in the rest later – the lesser-cooked peas add a thick, hearty bite that complements the chunks of carrots and potatoes. If you want a soup that’s completely vegetarian, swap out the chicken broth for water.
When you need a super-simple dinner that’s guaranteed to warm you up, try this Instant Pot black bean soup. The fiber-rich beans are seasoned with spicy cumin and chili powder, then pressure cooked until soft. The best part? There’s no need to soak the beans beforehand!
Healthified Broccoli Cheddar Soup
We’re not lying – this broccoli cheddar soup is actually healthy. How? The traditional heavy cream and loads of cheese are swapped for fat-free evaporated milk and a small amount of extra sharp cheddar. The end result is a filling, comforting soup that’s only 230 calories per serving.
Caramelized onions are crucial to a French onion soup – their gooey sweetness defines the dish. To eliminate much of the butter needed to caramelize, steam the onions first. You’ll still have the important flavors, but with significantly less fat. Don’t go too heavy on the cheese, either – a light sprinkle of nutty gruyere is all you need to finish off the meal.
Lemony Orzo Chicken Soup in a Jar
Trisha’s veggie-packed soup is the ultimate desk lunch. It’s easy to make, and the bright lemon flavor will help you power through the afternoon. Bonus: the soup is portioned into individual jars, so it’s the perfect grab-and-go option for a busy weekday.
Acknowledgements: Article found at www.foodnetwork.com
Written by: Leah Scalzadonna
