Soup for the Soul

When it’s cold outside nothing warms the body and soul like a bowl of hot and nourishing soup.

Soup combinations are endless! With so many varieties there is a soup recipe for everyone.

Soup reminds us of our grandmother, love, safety, comfort, warmth and health.  Even in hospitals when patients are recovering from surgery, their first food is clear liquid soup. Soup is the original comfort food and a great way to get a good supply of nutrients.  Originally, soup was called gruel. It was made by grinding roasted cereal into a paste which was later added to water and made into a soup.  According to history: “The word ‘soup’ probably derives from the bread over which gruel was poured, called a ‘sop’ or ‘sup.’ We can trace soup (sop) back to ancient times. Before the word [soup] came along, the concoction was called broth or pottage.”  In the 19^th century dehydrated and canned soups were invented but real homemade soups are simple to make and can include anything and everything you can throw into a pot. Soups can be tailored for any occasion or even to please the pickiest of eaters.

Here are a few healthy, nutrient-rich soup recipes that I personally enjoy. Stay warm and enjoy!

• Cheesy Broccoli Soup
• Creamy Pea Soup
• Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Soup
• Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup
• Cream of Broccoli Soup
• Spicy Hot Potato Soup
• Slow-Cooker Creamy Vegetable Barley Soup
• Spicy-Tomato-Soup

Arlene Murrell, MS, RD, LD, CLE