The Benefits of Homemade Soup
Soup makes for the ultimate comfort food. It's warm, filling and versatile enough to enjoy all year round. While convenient canned soups are readily available, homemade soups have some major health advantages.
Benefits of preparing your own wholesome soups include:
- Controlling sodium content
- Maximizing nutrient retention
- Avoiding additives/preservatives
- Satisfaction of DIY cooking
- Adapting recipes to dietary needs
The good news is crafting nutritious soups from scratch doesn't have to be overly complex or time-consuming.
Tips for Beginner Home Cooks
If kitchen confidence is low, have no fear - a few simple tips make homemade soups approachable for even novice cooks:
- Start with a basic broth like chicken or vegetable
- Add staple produce like onions, carrots or beans
- Include a lean protein like chicken, shrimp or lentils
- Season to taste with herbs and spices
- Simmer everything in a soup pot, pressure cooker or slow cooker
See? No complicated culinary school skills required! With a little practice whipping up nourishing soups can become second nature.
Pressure Cooker Soups
One shortcut to slash prep and cook times for homemade soups is using a pressure cooker, like the ever-popular Instant Pot. Pressure cooking utilizes steam under pressure to cook ingredients much faster.
Benefits of pressure cooker soups include:
- 70-80% less cook time over stovetop
- Hands-free convenience
- Preservation of nutrients
- Economical cuts of meat become tender
- Ability to walk away while it simmers
With just a quick sauté first, you can create amazing soups with pressure cooking in under an hour from start to finish.
Tips for Pressure Cooker Soups
To streamline success when making soups in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker, keep these tips in mind:
- Start by sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic
- Deglaze pot with a bit of broth, wine or juice to lift brown bits
- Add liquid and ingredients; do not overfill past line
- Secure lid; set valve to “sealing” position
- Select “Soup” or “Manual” program for desired time
- Allow 10-15 minutes for pressure to release naturally
Easy enough! Now let’s check out some mouthwatering pressure cooker soup ideas...
8 Low-Sodium Pressure Cooker Soup Recipes
Here is a tasty collection of healthier soup recipes ideal for making in the Instant Pot or another electric pressure cooker of your choice:
1. Yellow Split Pea Soup
Protein-packed split peas, carrots, onions and zesty spices blend beautifully into this vegetarian soup chock-full of fiber.
2. Tuscan White Bean Soup
Velvety white beans cooked with garlic, veggies and Parmesan make a fast weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
3. Chicken Tortilla Soup
All the Tex-Mex flavors of juicy chicken, tomatoes, corn and spices come together brilliantly in an easy 30-minute pressure cooker soup.
4. Beef Barley Soup
Satisfying chunks of beef, mushrooms, vegetables and whole grains create a hearty, home-style soup in half the time.
5. Quick Posole Verde
Chicken, hominy and green chiles simmered in broth make a vibrant, zesty Mexican posole packed with cornbread for serving.
6. Mediterranean Chickpea Soup
Nutty chickpeas, tomato, spinach and orzo pasta create a fast weeknight dinner with Greek flair.
7. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Naturally sweet roasted squash blends with aromatic onion, garlic and warm spices for a luscious soup to enjoy fall through winter.
8. Low-Sodium Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken broth makes the ideal base for old-fashioned chicken noodle loaded with carrots, celery and loving flavor.
With an arsenal of homemade soup recipes like these at the ready, vibrant nourishing meals are never more than an hour away. Adjust seasonings to taste and add your own creative touch with mix-ins like rice, pesto or extra veggies.
Tips for Reducing Sodium in Homemade Soups
To help limit sodium intake for health, be mindful when crafting homemade soups. Techniques include:
- Use reduced-sodium broths and stocks
- Skip salt during cooking process
- Add salty ingredients judiciously
- Finish with acid like vinegar or lemon instead of salt
- Boost flavor with bold herbs and spices
- Let individuals add salt to taste at table
With smart strategies, you can effortlessly whip up crave-worthy soups with just a fraction of the sodium many canned varieties contain. Get ready to become kitchen MVP!
Serving Ideas for Wholesome Soups
Soups often play the role of comforting starters, but don't underestimate their potential as nutrient-packed main dishes!
Some tasty soup meal ideas include:
- Pairing with crusty whole grain breads or rolls
- Serving over brown rice or quinoa
- Adding cheese, sour cream or avocado toppers
- Constructing soup and salad bar stations
- Complementing with crackers, flatbreads or tortilla chips
With a bit of creativity, humble homemade soups can become the satisfying centerpiece of any meal - now that’s what’s cookin’!
FAQs
What are some benefits of homemade soups?
Benefits include controlling sodium content, preserving nutrients, avoiding preservatives, customizing recipes, and the satisfaction of DIY cooking.
How can pressure cookers help make quick homemade soups?
Electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot can slash soup cook times by 70-80% through the power of steam under pressure, while still preserving nutrients.
What are good soup bases beyond chicken or vegetable broth?
Some flavorful alternative soup bases include tomatoes, butternut squash, beans, beef or bone broths, and puréed lentils, sweet potatoes or cauliflower.
What are tasty ways to boost nutrition in homemade soups?
Nutritious add-ins for soups are dark leafy greens, beans/legumes, whole grains like barley or farro, fiber-rich veggies, and fresh herbs and spices.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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