Note: this piece first appeared in the March 2008 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
Soup is a great choice during the winter-spring transition. In colder, wintry weather, choose soups that are hearty with heavier, protein-rich ingredients such as beans, fish, and lean meats. Creamier blended soups and warming ingredients, such as ginger, cayenne pepper, and cumin, are all perfect for winter. Our ____ is a great choice for a warming, soothing winter soup. Give it a try in these first few weeks of March!
In spring, clear, broth-based soups are more appropriate. Choose recipes with light vegetables to support your body’s natural cleansing process in warmer weather. Clear soups are volumetric, meaning that they have a high water content and look like a lot of food even though they usually don’t contain a lot of calories — helpful if you want to shed a few winter pounds as the weather warms up.
All soups require a good deal of liquid (water or stock) as a base. To make your own homemade stock, place carrots, onions, celery, a few sprigs of parsley, some peppercorns, a bay leaf, and some leftover bones from animal foods (if desired) in a large pot, fill the pot with water, and place on the stove on high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and allow to simmer for several hours (the longer the better!). Strain and discard the solid ingredients, cool down the liquid, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. If you use animal bones, you may need to strain the stock again just before use (or use a fat separator to degrease it).
Soups are a great medium for showcasing your own creativity. To create your own soup, just sauté the ingredients of your choice in a bit of olive or other vegetable oil, add liquid, bring to a boil, and then simmer until done. Enjoy experimenting with herbs, spices, and seasonings to make your own delicious soups!
