Soups are all about combinations. For example ground cumin (or even coriander) and parsley can work miracles with lentil soup.

So as winter approaches and as the rain pours down outside, I know deep down you are thinking soups and we want to bowl you over by our easy, homemade nourishing soups.

Whether you’re bowling up a broth-based soup or a hearty stew, soups are great in so many ways:

• Cream-based varieties can be particularly high in fat and calories, most serve as a great vehicle to meet your daily quota for veggies.
• If you have produce that’s about to pass its prime, tossing them into a soup recipe can give them new life. You can even drop frozen vegetables into boiling broth without compromising taste or texture. This saves on your cost of spoilages.
• Soups are inexpensive and easy to prepare. Soups and stews don’t require a large amount of hands-on time. In fact, if you use a slow cooker or a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, you can prepare a savory soup inless than 5 minutes!
• Soup and stews are great if you want to meal prep lunches or dinners in advance. Whip up a batch on the weekend, and you can save some in the freezer to enjoy later.
• They keep you hydrated. During the winter chill, it’s not uncommon to drink less than you need. But while you may not be hot and sweaty, you still lose fluid through daily activities. Since soups are mostly liquid, they’re a great way to stay hydrated and full.
• They give your immune system a boost. Soups can help you stave off cold and flu, and they’re a great antidote for times when you are sick, too! Most soups are loaded with disease-fighting nutrients!

Note: It’s important to taste as you cook and adjust the flavors to make something you and the whole family will really love.