It's Time to Make Soup

So, we're home. For a while. We're cooking, cleaning, home schooling, doing projects. . . it's all a bit Little House On The Prairie. I'm hoping everyone is realizing it's not too hard to cook up nutritious meals, and when you're forced to be creative and use what you have on hand it makes you an even better cook. 

When you're out of ideas, just make soup. Chances are you have the basic ingredients on hand and even if you don't, soup is very forgiving. Since you have the time now, try making and freezing your own broth. Bone broth is nutrient-dense and great for your gut. Just save the bones from your next chicken or beef meal and throw them in a stockpot with halved onions, carrots, celery, garlic (no need to peel anything), herbs if you have, salt and peppercorns. Simmer for at least 4 hours then strain. 

But store-bought stock (or just water) works, too. Soup is super-healthy, filling, soothing, and makes the house smell delicious. 


Health Benefits of Soup:

• Vitamins and minerals are locked in.  Unlike cooking other foods, when you make soup you don't dispose of the water—it becomes a nutrient-rich part of the dish. 
   

• It's healing. According to the Mayo Clinic, chicken soup works as an anti-inflammatory and it can clear up mucus, too. 
   

• Soup is low in fat, high in fiber. Colorful veggies, legumes, and lean meats are your soup basics and some of the healthiest foods you can eat.  
   

• It's a vehicle for veggies. Many people who aren't big vegetable eaters will happily eat them in soup, especially if they're pureed.
   

• It's hard to mess up. Chances are even if you don't have everything you need and you make substitutions, it will still turn out great.