Simmering Comfort: Exploring all things Soup
As the chillier nights approach, we find ourselves quoting the ever-poignant George Constanza: “I’m shifting into soup mode.” Soups are not just comfort foods that soothe sore throats common in the autumn months but are great meal options for those of us who are ever financially conscientious and have little time on our hands as the holiday season picks up and the kids’ school activities become more hectic by the week.
Additionally, the fall comes with its fair share of entertaining – be it for Halloween or prepping for the ultimate Friendsgiving – so what’s not to love about making large batches that guests can easily ladle to their heart’s content? But as we enter into this season, it’s important to remember that quality matters, and we certainly don’t want to be eating bowls full of highly processed meats that have been linked to an assortment of health risks, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease as well as certain cancers, such as stomach cancer. That’s where Rastelli’s comes in.
The Benefits of Soup
There have been numerous studies that link soup intake with a variety of health benefits, many of which we can’t fit into one succinct article. But most notably, soup intake may help certain people manage a healthy weight, as soup contributes to overall satiety (in human terms, that means you feel fuller and content after a good hearty bowl).
Additionally, those who eat soup often have reduced fat and simultaneously increased protein and fiber consumption, indicating a more nutritionally dense and balanced overall diet. And, perhaps most importantly, soup can help you stay more hydrated, as much of soup’s base is, well, water! As many people in America are chronically dehydrated – or simply just not doing their body justice by drinking the right fluids – soup is a great option to help replenish our body’s water composition. After all, our body is two-thirds water.
Meal Prepping and Dollar Stretching
In recent years, meal prepping has become all the rage, and with reason. The school year is hectic enough but add on the daily demands of your career and the piling housework, the last thing on your mind is thinking of a new recipe every night and carving out the necessary time to huddle over the stove. One of the greatest benefits of making soup, therefore, is its longer refrigeration life and ease of making larger batches that can be eaten throughout the week.
At the base of most soups is an easy, comforting chicken broth which, when using the leftovers of your chicken dinner, is practically free to make! After cooking up an organic whole chicken, you can use the leftover bones and carcass – and a few healthy veggies – to make chicken stock that will last you weeks on end. The best part is that making chicken stock is a cinch, as you can leave it on the stove for about four hours, only checking occasionally to skim off any foam. Alternatively, you can easily make chicken stock in your instant pot for even greater ease.
Simply jar up your chicken stock, and you’ll have a base ready to go throughout the fall season. So, no more scrambling to think of what to eat for dinner. After all, soup can be modified in infinite ways to cater to the various tastes and texture preferences of your family. Have a picky eater on your hands? Classic soups like chicken noodle – or even turkey noodle soup, made with leftovers from organic whole turkey – are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Ideas and Recipes
We certainly don’t want to leave you hanging out there in the world of endless soup recipes. It can all seem pretty overwhelming, so we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up three soup recipes – all with different flavor profiles and textures – to cater to your exact mood.
This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe boosts a hearty, savory flavor profile, enriched with a harmonious blend of spices, vegetables, and tender chicken. Using Rastelli’s Organic Chicken Breast elevates the dish, providing a clean, natural taste while ensuring it’s free from antibiotics and hormones, offering a healthier and more environmentally conscious choice for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Rastelli’s Chuck Roast, known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, provides a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, promoting muscle health and immune function. When utilized in this smoky Latin beef soup recipe, the robust flavor of the chuck roast combines with aromatic spices, creating a heaty and nutritious dish that nourishes the body while tantalizing the taste buds.
Using Rastelli’s Organic Boneless Chicken Breast offers a premium source of lean protein, free from antibiotics and hormones, promoting overall health and well-being. When incorporate into this soup recipe, it’s high-quality, natural flavor enhances the dish with essential nutrients, supporting immune function and providing a delicious, wholesome meal option. For rainy autumn nights when we just want to throw on some PJs and relax, this soup is the perfect option.
