Homemade soups are not only flavorful and chock full of health benefits, but they are incredibly simple to make, needing very few ingredients. And bonus, they are gluten-free, relatively low in carbs and high in fiber! Your immersion blender will be the key to creating these creamy and delicious soups, which make a great lunch or dinner option on chilly days.
Carrot + Parsnip Soup
- Carrot benefits: rich in vitamin A, carrots are linked to cancer prevention, promote healthier skin, protect teeth and gums, and lower risk of heart disease.
- Parsnip benefits: lower diabetes risk, reduce cholesterol, improve digestion, strengthen immune system, and lower blood pressure.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 2 cups chopped parsnips
- 1 cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in large pot over high heat. Add the onions and celery, reducing heat to medium.
- Once onions are translucent, add the carrots, parsnip and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes or until veggies are soft.
- Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Puree mixture with an immersion blender.
- Voila! Garnish with free chives and serve.
Sweet Potato Soup
- Sweet potato benefits: improve collagen production for healthier skin, support healthy immune system, reduce stress, lower risk for certain types of cancer.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ginger
- 2 tsp curry paste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in large saucepan over high heat.
- Add the onions garlic, ginger and curry paste.
- Cook for 3 minutes, or until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add sweet potatoes and broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are soft.
- Puree with an immersion blender.
- Top with fresh chives, basil or cilantro and serve.
Butternut Squash Soup
- Butternut squash benefits: improve bone health, boost immune system, increase heart health, reduced inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Drizzle butternut squash and onions with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 45 minutes, or until tender.
- In a large pot, bring broth to a simmer and add the veggies.
- Puree with an immersion blender.
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil and enjoy!