Although the end of summer might mean that some of your favorite produce items are going out of season, don’t panic: soup season is here! When the weather cools down and salads just don’t give you that warm and cozy vibe you’re looking for, soups are a fantastic way to incorporate veggies and other healthy ingredients into your diet. Keep reading for our list of the best fall soups that will deliver both the flavor and the essential nutrients to help you feel your best as hibernation season begins.
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Chives
This soup calls for two different types of mushrooms, packing a satisfying umami punch. This means you can go lighter on the salt, since the mushrooms themselves contribute much of the depth of flavor to the recipe. Mushrooms also carry a surprising amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And don’t be fooled: much of the creaminess of this soup comes from cooking down potatoes—if you like, you can leave out the drizzle of heavy cream without sacrificing texture. Leave the peels on the potatoes to enjoy their full nutritional benefits.
Chicken Noodle Soup
A collection of the healthiest, most nourishing soups wouldn’t be complete without chicken noodle soup. Onion, carrots, and celery—the classic flavor base for chicken soup—all provide excellent servings of essential nutrients, like vitamins C and K. Chicken brings the protein. Broth contains important minerals like iron and selenium, while also helping you hit your hydration goal. Lastly, choose your grain: whether you go with egg noodles or brown rice, carbohydrates are crucial for energizing your body for your favorite fall activities.
Creamy Potato Cabbage Soup
This delicious soup calls for just 10 ingredients and comes together in 30 minutes, making for the perfect weeknight soup. The star ingredient here is cabbage: often overlooked in the produce section, cabbage is actually an impressive source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can help improve digestion. When simmered with velvety Yukon Gold potatoes and enjoyed with a splash of white wine vinegar, cabbage will surely find its way onto your grocery list again and again.
Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup
Keep tomatoes in your rotation long after tomato season has ended using a can of whole peeled plum tomatoes, easy to find at any major grocery store. Tomatoes are a major source of antioxidants like lycopene, a compound that may be linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, as well as fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. If you’re craving an even stronger tomato flavor, add a heaping tablespoon of tomato paste while the onions and garlic are cooking and stir until it has darkened in color.
Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Croutons
A spin on the beloved broccoli cheddar soup, this recipe offers an enticing way to prepare the leafy green for even the biggest broccoli-skeptics among us. Broccoli is densely packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants that help keep inflammation in check and protect the cells in your body. Blended up with spinach, leeks, sour cream, and sharp cheddar, and topped with crispy baguette slices, the whole family will love this quick and easy recipe.
Whole-Grain Minestrone with Parmesan Crisps
Swap out your usual choice of pasta or rice and give farro a try in this comforting, nourishing soup. Farro is an ancient grain that is full of fiber and protein, in addition to a wide range of antioxidants and vitamins. It lends a satisfying, chewy texture to this soup that’s also packed with vegetables. A large can of white beans (cannellini or great northern beans are great options) adds another delicious helping of plant-based protein.
Crispy Tofu Noodle Soup
If you don’t think tofu is your thing, you haven’t tried it like this. Even the most staunch meat lovers will love the crispy texture of tamari-soaked tofu browned to perfection in a skillet. For an even crispier result, toss the tofu in a tablespoon of cornstarch just before cooking. Swiss chard provides an earthy complement to the umami flavor of the protein-packed tofu, but swapping it out for another leafy green like spinach or kale will still deliver a great serving of vitamins and minerals.
Miso Noodle Soup
Greg DuPree
Perfect for those nights when you’re craving the warmth of a comforting soup but would rather order out than chop up a bunch of vegetables. Instant ramen noodles are transformed into a healthy dinner with the addition of spinach and tofu, and restaurant-quality flavor is achieved with white miso paste and dried seaweed.
Peruvian-Style Chicken Soup with Cilantro and Lime
Brighten up those late-fall days with this delicious twist on chicken soup. Bell peppers, cilantro, scallions, cumin, and lime juice come together to create a mouthwatering, lightly acidic flavor against the rich potatoes and carrots. Add frozen peas at the end for an extra boost of fiber and antioxidants, which aid digestion and improve inflammation. Serve with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
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