Warm up this Fall with Super Soups from McCormick

With the onset of cooler weather, soup is a healthful and delicious choice to warm up at home, at the office or in the school lunchroom. From homemade to prepared varieties, nourishing soups can satisfy your hunger by making you feel full longer.

Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet, recommends choosing soups packed with flavorful “super foods” like beans, lean chicken or turkey, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes – and especially spices and herbs. “Using spices and herbs does more than add flavor to your favorite soups without added calories or sodium. They also contain concentrated levels of natural antioxidants comparable to fruits and vegetables, including many of the super foods,” says Dr. Bazilian. With just a dash, pinch or sprinkle of spices and herbs, you can turn your favorite soup into a flavorful “super soup”.

It’s easy to experiment with homemade soups by combining tried and true recipes with new ingredients and spices. McCormick has created delicious “super soup” recipes that are perfect for a hearty weekend meal. Some are also ideal for preparing in advance and freezing for those busy days when cooking time is limited.

Try a traditional meal turned inside-out with Chicken Pot Pie Soup that features the usual ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, carrots and onions, topped with a crouton seasoned with rosemary, thyme and garlic.
The addition of warm, sweet ginger and sesame seeds puts an Asian twist on an old-fashioned favorite in Sesame-Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup.

Create a contemporary dish that turns up the heat with Savory Turkey Sausage and Lentil Soup made with thyme, garlic, two kinds of red pepper, kielbasa and spinach.
Prepared soups can become a “super soup” as well. They are portable, easy to “spice” up and can be low in calories and high in nutrients. Spices and herbs are a better-for-you swap for traditional soup toppings, like croutons, cheese or sour cream. They add flavor without extra salt, sugar or fat.

Here are some easy tips to liven up classic prepared soups, and give them a quick antioxidant boost:

Give a Tuscan twist to chicken, vegetable or beef soup. Stir 1/8 teaspoon each thyme, oregano and crushed rosemary leaves into 2 cups soup.

Stir a sprinkle of turmeric into 1 tablespoon low-fat plain yogurt, then swirl mixture into butternut squash soup to add a boost of color and flavor.

Popcorn makes a fun garnish for tomato soup. Try sprinkling hot popcorn with spices such as turmeric, paprika or ground red pepper, then toss a handful on top of each serving.
Looking for more “super soup” ideas? Visit www.SpicesForHealth.com for new fall recipes and additional tips for spicing up your soup.