Zero Fat Soup: A Delicious Way to Shed Pounds with Three Flavorful Variations
If you are on a journey towards healthier living and are looking for a way to enjoy a satisfying and nourishing meal without the guilt, this Zero Fat Soup is just the answer. A delightful creation adopted from the acclaimed “Moosewood Restaurant New Classics” cookbook, this vegan-friendly soup is not only low in calories but is also rich in flavor and nutrients. With a cooking time of just 20 minutes and an equal amount of time for preparation, you can whip up this revitalizing dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Nutritional Information
The Zero Fat Soup is designed to be light and nutritious, perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet while keeping calorie counts low. Below is the detailed nutritional information for each serving, which yields four generous portions.
| Nutritional Element | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 119.2 |
| Total Fat | 0.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 814.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 13.1 g |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
Ingredients
The key to this soup’s vibrant taste lies in the fresh vegetables and flavorful broth. Hereโs what youโll need to gather to create this delightful dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Vegetarian chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Carrot | 1 medium |
| Green beans | 1 cup |
| Green cabbage | 1 ยฝ cups |
| Red bell pepper | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes with juice | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried dill | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
Instructions
Creating the Zero Fat Soup is a straightforward process that allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Hereโs how to bring it all together:
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Heat the Broth: In a large soup pot, begin by heating the vegetable and vegetarian chicken broths over medium heat. This will create a rich base for your soup.
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Add the Vegetables: Once the broth is warm, introduce the first seven vegetables: chopped celery, diced carrot, sliced green beans, shredded green cabbage, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and stir well. Each addition will bring color and nutrition to the mix.
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Combine the Flavors: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and the dried herbs including basil, oregano, dill, thyme, and ground black pepper. This is where the soup truly begins to develop its rich and savory profile.
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Simmer to Perfection: Allow the soup to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and infused with flavor.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and savor the deliciousness of this nourishing dish.
Variations
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. Here are three variations that will keep your soup experience fresh and exciting:
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Mexican Zero Soup: For a spicy twist, add diced zucchini and minced chiles, replacing the dried herbs with cumin, coriander, and fresh cilantro. Swap out the cider vinegar for zesty lime juice for an extra kick.
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Hungarian Zero Soup: Introduce sliced mushrooms into the mix, and substitute the basil, oregano, and thyme with paprika, marjoram, and an additional sprinkle of dill. For an authentic touch, top your bowl with a dollop of no-fat sour cream.
-
Asian Zero Soup: For a delightful Asian flair, replace the green cabbage with bok choy and toss in some straw mushrooms. Instead of the dried herbs, use freshly grated ginger root and finely minced scallions. Garnish your soup with crunchy mung bean sprouts for added texture.
Freezing Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover soup, or if you wish to make a batch ahead of time, the Zero Fat Soup freezes beautifully. Hereโs how:
- Prepare the soup as directed and allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Ensure to leave some space at the top of the container for the soup to expand as it freezes.
- Label the containers with the date for reference. The soup can be frozen for up to three months.
Serving Instructions
When youโre ready to enjoy your frozen soup, simply remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it is hot throughout, stirring occasionally.
This Zero Fat Soup is not only a delightful way to enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and low in calories, but it also offers the flexibility to adapt to your personal taste preferences. With its easy preparation and the ability to cater to a variety of flavor profiles, this soup truly embodies the spirit of healthful eating without sacrificing enjoyment. Dive into this wholesome dish and embrace the journey towards a healthier you with every delicious spoonful!
