Low carb soup recipes for fall

low carb soup recipes

low carb Minestrone

Serves 8 to 10

Nourishing and delicious, this Italian-inspired soup packs a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Use whatever vegetables are in season and try a variety of ingredients to keep the recipe fresh. Make it on a Sunday afternoon so you can enjoy it all week long.

Ingredients:
1 cup dried cannellini beans
8 to 9 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 ounces bacon
1/4 cup olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup finely sliced celery
1/2 cup diced carrot
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups baby spinach or other dark leafy greens
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 zucchini, trimmed, diced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Soak beans for 8 hours or overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse then transfer to a stockpot. Add 4 cups broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 1 hour, adding more water or broth, if necessary, to keep beans simmering. (Be sure you have enough to add 4 cups broth in Step 3.)

2. Meanwhile, in a second stockpot over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pot and place on paper towels to drain. Heat olive oil and add onion, celery and carrot. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Add zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, parsley and remaining broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Crumble bacon and add to soup towards the end of the 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, puree half of the cooked beans in a blender or food processor. Add to soup along with the remaining beans. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

low carb Cauliflower Pepper Jack Soup

Serves 8

This is a filling soup that will spice up a brisk afternoon. Pepper jack adds heat and flavor, which contrasts delectably with the tender cauliflower. This recipe keeps the cauliflower chunky, but you can puree it before Step 3 for a creamy smooth soup.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 cups cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup whipping cream
2 cups water
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add cauliflower and broth, lower heat to medium, and cover pot. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until cauliflower is tender.

2. Whisk together cream and water in a medium-sized bowl and set aside. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and gradually stir in flour mixture. Gradually add cream and water to the flour mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring, until thickened.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add cheese, herbs and spices. Cook, stirring, until cheese is melted. Pour cheese mixture into stockpot with cauliflower. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Be sure to not boil. Serve hot.

low carb Slow Cooked Beef and Cabbage Soup

Serves 8

Hearty chunks of tender beef and shredded cabbage become a satisfying end of the day meal. Using a slow cooker makes your low carb cooking even easier – just add ingredients and hit the ON button, a few hours later, dinner is served.

Ingredients:
1 pound stew beef, diced, browned in oil (but not cooked through)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, seeded, finely chopped
1 small head green cabbage, shredded (or about 4 cups)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
1 soup bone
2 cups water or more for a soupier consistency

Garnish:
Finely chopped fresh parsley
Sour cream

Directions:
Place all ingredients except garnish in a slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a dollop of sour cream.

Related Articles

Low carb lunches under 400 calories
Low carb dinner party recipes
Subscribe to the SheKnows.com LowCarb online magazine