See, there are MANY reasons to make soup recipes a regular part of your diet:
- They help you eat seasonally
- They are full of vitamins and minerals
- Most can boost your immune system (see point above)
- Most are low-calorie, low-fat, and high-fiber
- They’re easy AND affordable
- You will warm up more than your body; They are great for the soul and home
This fall and winter will be especially challenging during cold and flu season, so I’ve put together this list of five soups to add to your regular rotation right now. This list has a great mix of flavor profiles, proteins and international inspiration. So be sure to try one – or ALL – of them this season!
You know I have to start this off with a Mediterranean recipe. This was also one of the first recipes we recorded in the studio after the COVID shutdown. Inspired by an old favorite, this one serves as an excellent reminder that soup can be enjoyed all year round! If you love this recipe (and I’m sure you will), tuck it in your back pocket for later – this is an AWESOME way to use up any leftover turkey you might have after Thanksgiving!
This is easily one of the tastiest soups I’ve ever put together. It is also probably one of the most fragrant! Be sure to add enough broth to the pot to cover the chicken – this will allow it to stretch nicely after cooking. By adding the canned green chillies at the END, we really increase their presence in the recipe. Overall, this soup should take about forty minutes to make, but you’ll be able to spend most of your time just putting your feet up and letting the Instant Pot do its job. I personally like to add Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to make this recipe more health conscious. Don’t be afraid to try it!
Here’s my take on the classic chicken noodle soup—except we swap out the noodles and replace them with LOTS of greens. This recipe is low-carb but incredibly hearty and filling, and the Italian-inspired flavor profile will have you trying to put your spoon down. This will give you a delicious dose of essential vitamins and minerals, and you can easily refrigerate or freeze it in separate containers if you’re looking for a great meal prep option that you’ll have ready when you get home come the cold!
Speaking of cold… I learned this recipe during a trip to Iceland where I had a VERY chilly fishing trip. This delicious, hearty, easy, and delicious soup warmed me up immediately. I love that this recipe uses lamb, which isn’t that common in soups you’ll find here in the US. This is a slow cooker recipe, so it’s perfect for tossing on earlier in the day on a Sunday and then enjoying six hearty servings; Just make sure you sear the lamb properly before putting everything together. To get the most out of this recipe, cook it, set aside, and enjoy the next day when all the flavors have combined.
BONUS: This recipe involves LOTS of chopping, which I find incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, so get ready to zen!
I had to add some seafood to this list, so I looked around and found this amazing pho-inspired recipe that I promise you’ll love. This is a classic #FMC recipe that’s creative, follows my three color rule, and will probably teach you something new in the process – don’t try to tell me you’ve made shrimp meatballs before! Searing the baby bok choy before putting everything together adds just a bit of complexity to the dish, but what I love about this dish is the blend of flavors. Jalapeño, cilantro, and lime are all optional, but I promise you’ll be missing out if you skip any of these!
BOOM!
Be sure to tag me on Instagram @FitMenCook if you try these recipes so I can share your creations with the community!