GOSHEN, IN -- As I write this column it is definitely soup weather, but by the time you read this the weather may be warmer. For me though, it will still be soup eating time. January is definitely soup weather! There is just something about the cold temperature that makes good hot soup taste extra good! Last week I shared with you basic information about soup as well as some of the advantages. This week I have more good information about soup!
Stock is the most important part of the soup, and is made by cooking meat and or bone together with seasonings. For really good stock simmer meat and bones for a long time. Meat adds flavor to soup but using meat in soup allows you to make the meat go further. Cracking the bones allows more flavor to get into the stock. It then can be strained, cooled, skimmed of fat and used in a recipe of your choice.
Much good stock doesn't go through all of this process, maybe just the defatting. If this method seems too time consuming for your lifestyle, there are other ways to make stock or broth. You may use commercial canned broth or bouillon cubes or powder with water to make the broth. Many of these are high in sodium, but there are low-sodium alternatives. Condensed broth is also available and can be diluted as the label directs with either water or other liquids in the recipe.
If you want an easy way to serve soup to your family check out the canned and frozen soups in the grocery store. There are usually plenty of seasoning and way too much salt, so think about using the commercial soup as a base and then adding lots of frozen or fresh vegetables to it, and often times more meat.
Here are some soup making tips that you might want to try! To help improve the flavor, let your soup simmer for a while, not boil. Your crock pot is a great way to simmer soup. You can put more fiber in your healthy eating plan through soups by adding whole grains such as lentils, wheat bulgur, brown rice, whole wheat pasta or barley.
Soups are a great way to reduce calories, stretch your food dollars and make the most of your time! Keep a freezer bag or container in the freezer for left over vegetables, pasta or meat to store them instead of tossing. Remember, you can use all kinds of leftovers in soup. This way you will have a great start for vegetable soup.
When you are cooking vegetables you are sautéing them in broth verses fat or oil so you are saving calories. You can save time if you are using frozen or canned vegetables. Also using canned tomato or a vegetable blend soup can save you time. Just remember that many of these products are high in salt so you probably don't need to add salt.
There are many ways you can thicken soup. A tasty way is with cream but then you have the extra calories. You can save calories by using fresh milk or no fat powered milk. Soup can also be thickened using cornstarch, potato flakes, leftover stuffing and other foods.
To complete the meal I think about adding a great green salad, some whole grain bread and maybe some tasty cheese spread for the bread. I know you have no problems coming up with desert ideas. Bottom line is to plan some time to make soup and then enjoy!
