Susans Dirty Little Secret Soup
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Served Person: 8
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- black pepper and salt to taste
- 5-6 cups vegetable broth (i use imagine no-chicken)
- 1 16- ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 16- ounce cans beans rinsed and drained (i usually use 1 great northern and 1 kidney bean)
- 2 1- pound bags of frozen vegetables (my favorites are califo broccoli, and carrots] and italian blend [zucchini, italian green beans, broccoli, red pepper])
- a shake or two of hot pepper sauce (tabasco)
- optional: 1/2 cup small pasta or 2 cups diced pota pearled barley, millet, or quinoa) or cooked rice
- Carbohydrate 3.15638802083333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.172717395833333 g
- Fiber 1.47603952970232 g
- Protein 1.5298 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0236804479166667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (112g)
- Sodium 31.3754895833333 mg
- Sugar 1.68034849113102 g
- Trans Fat 0.0481104791666667 g
- Calories 17 calories
My Secret to a Simple, Delicious, and Healthy Soup
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like an impossible feat. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat organized, I often find myself reaching for convenient, but often unhealthy, options. However, I've discovered a secret weapon that helps me stay on track with my healthy eating goals without sacrificing flavor or convenience: my "Dirty Little Secret Soup." It's not a secret in the sense that it's a hidden recipe, but rather, it's my secret to effortlessly creating a nutritious and satisfying meal in a fraction of the time it would take to cook something more elaborate.
This soup is incredibly versatile. I can whip it up in under 30 minutes using whatever vegetables I have on hand. Frozen vegetables are my best friend in this recipe—they're just as nutritious as fresh and save me a ton of prep time. Think of it as my pantry-raid rescue recipe, perfect for those evenings when I'm completely exhausted but still crave a healthy and delicious dinner. One day I might use broccoli, carrots, and peas, the next it could be a medley of zucchini, green beans, and peppers. The possibilities are endless! I often add beans for extra protein and fiber, helping me feel fuller for longer. A can of diced tomatoes adds a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the sweetness of the vegetables, while a sprinkle of herbs adds a delightful aroma and flavour. And if I'm feeling adventurous, I might even toss in some pasta or grains like barley or quinoa for extra substance.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It's a perfect blank canvas for culinary creativity. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking – a dash of hot sauce for a little kick, or extra herbs for a more aromatic experience. If you prefer a heartier soup, simply add more vegetables or grains. If it's too thick, adding more broth easily adjusts the consistency. This recipe really allows me to cater to my family’s preferences without any fuss.
Beyond its convenience and adaptability, this soup is packed with nutrients. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the beans contribute protein and fiber. It's a complete meal in a bowl, helping me stay energized throughout the day. This is especially important given my busy schedule. I find that a warm bowl of this soup is incredibly comforting, especially on chilly evenings. It's a perfect antidote to a long, stressful day. The earthy flavors are soothing, and the hearty nature of the soup leaves me feeling satisfied and content.
This "Dirty Little Secret Soup" is more than just a recipe; it’s a life hack for busy moms, or anyone who values nutritious, delicious food without sacrificing precious time. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a testament to simple ingredients transformed into a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients I typically use:
- Vegetable broth (I prefer low-sodium options)
- Diced tomatoes (canned is perfectly fine)
- Beans (kidney, great northern, or your favorite!)
- Frozen vegetables (a mix of broccoli, carrots, peas, zucchini, etc.)
- Garlic (fresh or pre-minced)
- Herbs (thyme, basil, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce, pasta, barley, quinoa, or rice
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a healthy and delicious meal, try my "Dirty Little Secret Soup." You might just find it becomes your go-to recipe too! It's my secret weapon for a stress-free, healthy lifestyle.
Step-by-step
- Put 5 cups of vegetable broth and all remaining ingredients into a large pot and cook until vegetables are done, about 20-30 minutes.
- If the soup seems too thick, add more broth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- This can also be made with 2 pounds of whatever fresh vegetables you have in the house.
- Put 5 cups of vegetable broth and all remaining ingredients into a large pot and cook until vegetables are done, about 20-30 minutes.
- If the soup seems too thick, add more broth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- This can also be made with 2 pounds of whatever fresh vegetables you have in the house.
