In the mood for some soup? February 4 is National Soup Day and would be a great time to make up a pot of a family favorite soup or try a new recipe.
By Alison Crane
I love to make and eat soup. Soup combines taste and nutrition all in one bowl. Soups are one of the most versatile dishes you can make. You can serve them hot or cold, creamy or brothy, with or without meat, any amount of texture, flavor, or number of ingredients. With soup, you can have a hearty meal ready for your family in a matter of minutes or you can simmer them for hours to reach that perfect blend of flavors.
Another thing about soups is you can make them totally healthy and not have to skimp on flavor. Making soup from scratch allows freedom to adjust ingredients to your flavor preferences and health needs and can also prevent the waste of leftovers when you add them to your soup. Many soups can be made with just a few ingredients and still pack a great nutritional punch.
Soups work well with special dietary needs. You can still watch your calories, fat, and salt intake and enjoy a hearty soup. For instance, if you are needing to reduce salt, herbs and spices can add plenty of flavor to make your soup taste good. Do you love creamy or cheesy soups? Those are usually high in fat but making a few lower fat substitutes can help keep them on your menu.
Soup is also a great partner for time management and the budget. Soup can also be made ahead of time and reheated. When making soup for a meal make more than you need and portion the leftover soup into serving-size containers or even freezer baggies to freeze for meals throughout the week.
This is also a great way to share some love by taking your leftover soup to someone who is sick or can’t cook for themselves.
In the mood for some soup? February 4th is National Soup Day and would be a great time to make up a pot of a family favorite soup or try a new recipe. Here’s an easy no-fuss recipe for broccoli-potato soup that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser:
www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/broccoli-potato-soup.
Got an old family recipe for soup, stew, chowder, or whatever that needs to be updated to make it healthier for your family? Contact the Garland County Extension Service for ways to reduce fat, calories, and salt without sacrificing flavor, at 501-623-6841, or email acrane@uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook @GarlandExtensionHomeLife for life tips for you and your family.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
