Flavorful and Easy Healthy Soup Idea to Delight Your Taste Buds

Discover the ultimate healthy soup recipe that's been a hit with even the toughest critics—my own family! This flavorful creation not only satisfies hunger but also packs a nutritious punch, earning rave reviews from everyone who tries it. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a batch of this deliciously unexpected healthy soup.

Are you ready for a kitchen adventure? Let's jump right into this delightful healthy soup idea born out of necessity. It all started with a surplus of chicken broth from a holiday sale. I purchased way more chicken broth than I would ever need, but it was on sale, so what was a gal supposed to do?  

You may think this is how I get myself into trouble, and sometimes it is. I simply cannot pass up a good sale, I mean $1.00 for a 32 ounce chicken broth? I know I couldn't, and what better way to use it than to create a hearty and wholesome soup?

I'm just curious, would you buy an abundance too?  I knew we were friends for a reason!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. With minimal effort, you can have a nutritious meal ready to serve your family on even the busiest of weeknights. Uh hum... have kiddos or perhaps a husband who doesn't like their veggies? Yep, I have one of those too, and so I packed this recipe chock full of vegetables! Vegetable trickery isn't just for kiddos, it's for grown men who do not eat their vegetables too!  I knew when he went back for seconds, I was on to something.

Why Soup is Perfect for Weeknights:

Let's break down why soup reigns supreme as the ultimate weeknight meal solution:

1. Ease of Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep work, soup is a breeze to whip up, even after a long day.
2. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, soup is an easy way to nourish your body and keep you feeling satisfied.
3. Satisfying and Filling: A bowl of hearty soup can curb hunger and keep you energized throughout the evening.
4. Endless Variations: From classic favorites to inventive twists, there's a soup recipe to suit every palate and dietary preference.
5. Make Ahead and Freeze: Leftover soup can be stored in the freezer for future meals, providing convenience and saving time.

Healthy Soup Idea:

Ingredients:

1. 1 32 oz can chicken broth
2. 1 40.5 oz can Hanover Kidney Beans
3. 1 10 oz. package fresh spinach, washed
4. 5 large chicken thighs, boneless/skinless 
5. 1/2 t smoked paprika
6. 1/2 t basil
7. 1/2 t dried oregano
8. 1 onion, chopped
9. 1 large green pepper, chopped
10. 1 c carrots sliced
11. 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
12. Salt and Pepper to taste 

Instructions:

• Begin by washing and chopping the vegetables, then place them into a crockpot along with the chicken thighs, chicken broth, and spices.
• Cook on high for 7 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the soup and shred them using a food processor or fork. I opted for the food processer, going the easier route.
• Return the shredded chicken to the soup, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful goodness!

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4. Dinner doesn't have to be hard.  It's not my grandmother's generation... her belief? If you did not slave over the stove all day to serve one meal, then it is not worth eating no matter what we tell her. The crockpot has become my trusty companion for dinnertime, making my life easier while allowing me to come up with my soup creations. I use it several times a week now.

Tips:

• For a smoother texture, remove the spinach stems before adding them to the soup. My mother did this, opting for just the leaves. I, on the other hand, took the easy way out and threw in the entire washed bag of spinach. I mean, I'm looking for easy, how about you?
• Customize the soup to your liking by swapping out vegetables or adding grains like rice or quinoa. Not a fan of spinach? Add kale. Kidney beans make you cringe? Exchange them for black beans. This recipe is forgiving! Mom added rice to this healthy soup idea since she wanted grains. I am staying away from grains at the moment so I did not add any, but you can add rice, quinoa, or even noodles if that's what you prefer.
• Feel free to experiment with different beans or legumes for added protein and flavor.

My mother tried our healthy soup idea while visiting and has already made her own batch at home, telling me this is her new favorite go-to recipe. My husband has found he likes the combination of tomatoes with chicken broth, so I have been focusing on marrying those two ingredients together as often as I can. Gotta keep him liking the soups so he doesn't notice the amount of vegetables he is actually consuming.

My best advice is to make whatever makes your heart sing. Soup is the way to go for us. It's easy, doesn't take a lot of effort, the crockpot does the work, and I do not need to watch over it.

In conclusion, crafting the perfect chicken and vegetable soup is a labor of love—one that rewards both the chef and the diner with nourishment and satisfaction. As you savor each spoonful of this comforting creation, may you find warmth, nourishment, and joy in every bite. So, gather your loved ones, ladle out the goodness, and let the shared experience of homemade soup bring you closer together. Here's to wholesome comfort and culinary creativity!

Have you made any healthy soup recipes lately? If so, give us a shout out and share them with us to have your recipe featured here.

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Ciao,

Cara