Winter soup recipes

Give your health a boost with soup

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup when it’s cold outside. Soups are not only delicious and filling, but many have ingredients that can improve your immunity during cold and flu season. Get your fix of healthy ingredients in these four delightful cold weather soup recipes!

Chicken vegetable soup

What comes to mind when you think being sick in bed? Chicken soup might be at the top of your list. But you don’t have to be sick to enjoy this recipe! A twist on the traditional version, this recipe replaces noodles with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, mouth-friendly option.

Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants that prevent infections and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Chicken breasts contains carnosine, a protein-building block that can help your body fight inflammation and keep you from getting sick.

Ingredients:

10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice

¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

½ cup broccoli florets

6 cups chicken broth

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 medium onion, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, crushed

2 inches fresh ginger, shaved and thickly sliced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Freshly chopped parsley

Directions:

1. While heating oil in a large pot over medium heat, wash all of your produce.

2. Add onion, garlic and ginger to the pot. Cook 3 minutes.

3. Add cauliflower rice, red pepper flakes, carrots, celery, broccoli and chicken broth to the pot.

4. Increase heat to medium high and bring soup to a simmer.

5. Add the chicken breast and cover, cooking about 15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165.

6. Remove chicken from pot and set aside. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred with two forks.

7. Continue simmering soup 3 to 5 more minutes, until vegetables are tender.

8. Remove ginger from pot. Add shredded chicken back to soup.

9. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Creamy mushroom soup

Soup isn’t just delicious when it’s cold outside! This thick, creamy soup is so versatile, you can serve it warm or cold. As an added benefit, it’s low in carbs and gluten free.

Garlic contains antioxidants that can boost your immune system, helping protect your mouth and body from bacteria and viruses.
Mushrooms are a great source of zinc, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin D, all of which can help your body fight infection and disease.

Ingredients:

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

½ large onion, finely diced

20 ounces mushrooms, sliced

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoon olive oil

¾ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onions and mushrooms to the pot and sauté for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly brown and fragrant.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

4. Mix in remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. If you prefer a smoother soup, puree in a blender. Be careful pouring, since the soup will be hot, and make sure to secure the lid to prevent splatter! Pour into a bowl and serve.

Egg drop soup

This Chinese comfort food fuses the delicious flavors of egg and chicken broth in a low-calorie bowl. Add some flare with red pepper flakes if you like yours spicy.

Eggs are full of protein and zinc, two key ingredients for a healthy immune system.
Ginger is packed with antioxidants that help ward off germs and diseases to keep your mouth and whole body healthy.

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger

1 tablespoon soy sauce

¼ cup green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Combine chicken broth, ground ginger and soy sauce in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer.

2. Beat eggs in a bowl.

3. Stir the soup in one direction and slowly pourin beaten eggs.

4. Fill a bowl and garnish with green onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spicy black bean soup

This thick, hearty soup is chock-full of veggies and spices — a great choice for anyone looking for a meatless meal. The flavors blend for a soup that’s fresh, flavorful and full of flair.

Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant that fights viruses and inflammation.
Black beans are packed with protein, fiber, calcium and phosphorus that can strengthen your teeth and bones.

Ingredients:

60 ounces black beans (about 4 cans), rinsed and drained

4 cups vegetable broth

2 medium red onions, chopped

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

4 teaspoons ground cumin

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Optional ingredients:

Sliced avocado

Red onion

Sour cream

Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onions, celery and a sprinkle of salt. Cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are soft.

3. Stir in garlic, cumin and red pepper flakes. Cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Increase heat to medium high. Pour in beans and broth.

5. Simmer for 30 minutes until broth is flavorful and beans are tender. Reduce heat as necessary.

6. Transfer 4 cups of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Then, pour puree back into the pot.

7. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8. Serve. Top with optional garnishes such as sliced avocado, red onion, sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese.

As an added bonus, soup is easy to store! Make batches of these soups in advance and stick them in the freezer, where they’ll last for up to a month. When you want a delicious meal to warm yourself up on a cool night or you just need an easy dinner, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Try putting on a comforting movie to watch while you enjoy!