Hearty, Healthy, and Homemade Soups 28.01.2016

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With the winter chill upon us, there is nothing as soothing as a hot bowl of soup. How about making your very own soup with these delicious and easy recipes? Make them in big batches to enjoy the flavors all week long!

Black Bean Batch

Amp up the protein and get some Southwestern flavor on board with this yummy black bean soup.

Ingredients:

• Onion (diced, 1)
• Black beans, 2 (15-oz.) cans (rinsed, drained)
• Cumin, 1 t
• Oregano, 1 t
• Jalapeño pepper, 1 (seeded, minced)
• Vegetable stock, 6 c
• Bell pepper, 1 (chopped)
• Cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and peppers.
2. Add the vegetable stock, spices, and black beans. Bring to a boil; simmer 15 minutes.
3. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro.

Curry Chicken Crockpot

Add some flavors of Thailand to put a fresh spin on a weeknight dinner. Make sure you have coconut milk in your grocery list. This is a creamy, sure-to-delight soup!

Ingredients:

• Onions, 2 small
• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless), 1 lb.
• Green curry paste, 2 T
• Light coconut milk, 2 (14-oz.) cans
• Bell pepper, ½ c (sliced)
• Green beans, ½ c (sliced)
• Lime juice, to taste
• Cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a skillet, sauté the onions, chicken breast, bell pepper, and green beans until onions are transparent and chicken is cooked through.
2. Transfer ingredients to crockpot. Add the coconut milk, curry paste, and lime juice. Simmer 1 hour.
3. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro.

Wonderful White Bean Soup

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This is an Italian classic, but you don’t need to be in Italy to enjoy the robust flavor! Feel free to use chicken stock, if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• Onion, 1 (chopped)
• Garlic, 2 cloves (minced)
• Cannellini beans, 2 (15-oz.) cans (rinsed, drained)
• Rosemary, 1 t
• Vegetable stock, 6 c
• Tomatoes, 1 c (diced)
• Olive oil, 1 T
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions:

1. Sauté the onion, garlic, and tomatoes in olive oil.
2. In a large sauce pan, bring the vegetable stock to a boil; cover and simmer.
3. Add the sautéed vegetables, the rosemary, and the cannellini beans; simmer 1 hour.
4. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Lovely Lentil Stew

A vegetarian favorite, this soup packs a protein punch and will leave you feeling satisfied. Fool people into thinking you spent all day slaving away!

Ingredients:

• Onion, 1 (chopped)
• Lentils, 1 c
• Curry powder, 1 T
• Garam masala, 1 t
• Vegetable stock, 6 c
• Kale, 2 c
• Tomatoes, 1 c (diced)
• Scallions (sliced), for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large sauce pan, bring the vegetable stock to a boil; cover and simmer.
2. Add the lentils and kale, as well as the curry powder and garam masala.
3. Continue cooking for 1 hour. Ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions.