As the cold, wet and dark evenings draw in, it’s understandable that we crave comfort foods as winter fast approaches. But that doesn’t mean it has to be in the form of unhealthy and calorific meals.
It is possible to eat warming, comforting foods without piling on the pounds. Soups are great winter foods for example, with a surprising low calorie count as long as you choose those thickened with potatoes, lentils or pulses rather than cream.
Soup makes for a great hearty meal for the whole family, and can be made from just about anything. We have our #SouperSeven which we will be bringing to you every day for the next week – all healthy and nutritious soup recipes which are simple to follow and take minutes to prepare and cook.
Our #SouperSeven are the perfect winter warmers, which can also be made in double quantities and used for quick and easy lunches whilst at work or on the go. Soup can be bulked up with all kinds of vegetables and pulses – making them part of your five a day and providing you with an array of vitamins and nutrients, whilst filling you up to ensure maximum energy and minimum hunger following your meal.
The first of our #SouperSeven recipes, is our yummy carrot and ginger soup is pungent and refreshing, and can be ready in 30 minutes. Ginger is a great antioxidant and research has revealed that it possesses numerous therapeutic properties including direct anti-inflammatory effects.
Carrot and ginger soup
Ingredients
1 onion
1 leek
6 carrots
4 gloves garlic
2cm of ginger
1 tbsp fresh coriander
1 pint of vegetable stock
Method
Fry the onion, garlic and ginger in olive oil (in soup pan) for 5 minutes.
Add the leek and carrot and fry for another 5 minutes.
Add the stock and herbs and simmer for 25 minutes.
Mix it all in a blender until thick, add 2 tbsp crème fraiche (half fat) if required.
