Fortify Yourself for Fall with these Soups!
Last Sunday marked the first day of my favorite season. Fall in New England! I love the colors, the flavors, the crisp weather, the football games, the evenings by the fire pit. All of it. My husband and I got married in the fall. My birthday is in the fall. You get the idea.
When it comes to food, there's just something about the season that screams "soup!" As the weather cools off, homemade soup can be an energizing lunch or a comforting dinner. And, made with the right ingredients, it's a nutrient powerhouse. Fall veggies, beans, and grains are full of vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation and boost your immune system heading into winter. But their health benefits don’t stop there.
Here are just a few highlights:
Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash: Orange vegetables like these are loaded with beta-carotene (that’s where they get their color), which has been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers. They’re also rich in vitamin C to support the immune system and healthy skin; potassium which promotes healthy blood pressure; and satiating fiber to keep blood sugar stable and support digestion.
Kale: Dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and spinach are rich in certain antioxidants that protect against cancer and others that support brain health. They’re also high in magnesium for muscles and nerves; folate for heart health; and vitamin K for strong bones.
Beans and lentils: High in protein, iron, magnesium, and folate, beans and lentils also contain phytonutrients that help prevent cancer and heart disease. Plus, the fiber keeps you satisfied and helps regulate blood sugar.
If all that doesn’t have you convinced, maybe my new recipe collection will….
These recipes highlight the best produce that autumn has to offer, along with healthy fats, and a variety of spices for different flavor profiles. At the end of the collection, I stray from soups with a sweet surprise, so check it out!
Take the recipes with you next time you forage at the farmer’s market or head to the grocery store. See what’s available and let that guide which recipe you make first. Then, challenge yourself to make a different soup every week between now and Halloween.
I hope you enjoy this culinary celebration of my favorite season, and would love to hear your feedback on the recipes you try.
