Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of soup on a chilly winter day.
Before you reach into your pantry for a can of soup that is filled with sodium and preservatives, take a look at these soup recipes that are much healthier and taste a lot better than any canned soup.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, creamy or just warm, we have something that will hit the spot. We’ve also included healthy canned alternatives you can microwave when you don’t feel like cooking.
Roasted Vegetable Soup from Happy Healthnut
If you want something hearty, rich and love vegetables, you’re going to want to try this soup. It features sweet potatoes and carrots, which are great sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is great for good vision, a healthy immune system and cell growth. It promotes healthy skin, hair and nails too.
Healthy Alternative: Pacific Organic Light in Sodium Butternut Squash Soup
Calories: 90
Fat: 2g
Sodium: 280mg
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 3g
Minestrone from The New York Times
You can never go wrong with a classic minestrone—it has tons of vegetables, beans for additional protein and if you make it with whole wheat pasta, you can get a serving of complex carbs too. It has onions that contain a flavonoid called quertecin, which acts as an antioxidant that may prevent cancer. Onions are also “excellent sources of vitamin C, sulphuric compounds, flavonoids and phytochemicals,” according to nutritionist Victoria Jarzabkowski. Like onions, garlic has cancer-protective properties in addition to a bunch of selenium.
Healthy Alternative: Amy’s Organic Light in Sodium Minestrone Soup
Calories: 90
Fat: 1.5g
Sodium: 290mg
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 3g
Curried Cauliflower Soup from The New York Times
For a creamy soup with a spicy twist, try this recipe. Cauliflower is jam-packed with healthy stuff, like a ton of antioxidants and fiber that helps support the digestive system. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin K, which directly regulates the inflammatory response system. By putting unwanted inflammation at bay, it significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.
Spicy Chicken Chili from POPSUGAR
When you want something meaty, hearty and extra-filling, make PopSugar’s Spicy Chicken Chili. By using a lean protein like chicken, you’re getting the protein without the fat that comes with ground beef. The green bell peppers are excellent sources of carotenoids and vitamin C. Plus, spicy foods help increase your metabolism.
Healthy Alternative: Progresso High-Fiber 3 Bean Chili with Beef
Calories: 160
Fat: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 7g
These soups will fill you up and keep you healthy all winter long. Plus, the great thing about soup is the longer it sits, the better it gets. So they’re perfect to make the night before or on the weekends. Then simply freeze and reheat. Try any of these recipes? Tell us about it in the comments!
Feature Photo via Happy Healthnut