soup

Hearty Pork Posole

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This recipe is a remake of a Mexican classic. Improved, if I do say so myself. I have recreated Posole that knocks your socks off.  It’s an easy dish, with basic ingredients, that can be made on the stove top or cooked in the crockpot.  We love this! Even my kids that aren’t big fans of hominy eat every last bit. My version is a little heartier, with the addition of a few beans.  Even though we often think of “soup season” during the fall and winter months, believe me, you will want this all year long! 

Funny story:  I have made this soup numerous times, but on two different occasions, I have done a grocery pick up for ingredients. Twice I have gotten the restaurant sized (110 oz. can) of hominy.  I have laughed both times at the industrial sized can.  Lesson learned, check the number of ounces before completing the order!!! Or, ya know… make a lot of posole! ~Kathy

Ingredients:

2 T. cooking oil (your favorite will do) 

1 ½ to 2 lb. pork stew meat (or thick cut pork chops cubed)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced fine (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

½ to 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped fine (more or less to taste)

3 c. broth (chicken or beef)

1 (7 oz.) can chopped green chiles

1 (10 oz.) can Ro-tel tomatoes with green chiles (choose your heat preference, I use mild)

1 (15 oz.) can pinto or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (can also use black or light red kidney beans)

2 (15 oz.) cans hominy, rinsed and drained (I prefer the brand Juanita’s)

½ tsp salt

½ tsp cumin, heaping

½ tsp oregano

¼ tsp black pepper

Dash of cayenne

Dash of chili powder

¼ c chopped cilantro

Suggestions for serving: Warm tortillas, tortilla chips, diced avocado, sliced lime, additional cilantro, finely shredded cabbage

In a large dutch oven or soup pot, pour in 2 T oil. Turn on to medium high heat. Lightly season pork with salt and pepper. Add to pot. Allow to brown before turning. When first side of pork is golden brown, add onion and stir. Continue to cook a few minutes until pork is no longer pink. Add garlic and jalapeno. Cook an additional minute; then turn off heat. Remove any remaining oil. Stir in broth, Ro-tel tomatoes, beans, green chiles and spices. Cook about 20 minutes at a simmer; add in drained hominy. Continue to simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until pork is tender. Stir in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve. 

If using a crock pot, add pork (browning first in a skillet with oil if you prefer), broth and remaining ingredients EXCEPT hominy and cilantro. Cook on high 4 hours or on low 7 hours.  During the last 30 minutes of cook time, add drained hominy and cilantro.  

Golden Broccoli Cheese Soup

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Years and years ago, I worked at a roofing company. We had an amazing great office crew! We had potluck lunches from time to time with fabulous dishes and often shared the recipes. As a result of one of those recipe swaps, I’ve been making this soup for more than 25 years!  

So, do you need a meatless Monday dinner? A great soup recipe for that last (we hope) big cold snap before spring? A way to use up some broccoli from your fridge? Need more veggies in your life? I’ve got you covered! This is a creamy soup that comes together quickly. It’s great for a weeknight meal. This recipe can be easily doubled, tripled, quadrupled – you get the idea — to feed a crowd. And if you overestimate, it also freezes well. –Kathy

Golden Broccoli Cheese Soup

2 T. butter

¼ c. water

1 (10 oz.) pkg frozen corn

½ c. shredded carrots (or finely chopped)

¼ c. finely chopped onion

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 c. milk

1 c. chopped broccoli, cooked crisp tender

2 (10.5 oz.) cans Cream of Potato Soup

½ c. shredded mozzarella

1 c. shredded cheddar

In a large sauce pan or soup pot, combine butter, water, corn, carrots, onion and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add cream of potato soup, milk, broccoli and cheeses. Stir to combine well. Bring to simmer over low heat, stirring often. Taste for seasoning. Serve and enjoy! 

Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup

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Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup

I almost feel bad for posting another soup recipe because I’m afraid y’all are going to think that’s all we eat, but it’s hard to feel bad with a big bowl of comfort food in front of me.  Can’t stop, won’t stop eating allll the soups. This particular soup is a favorite of my family’s. It’s rich and creamy and perfect with crackers on a cold night. Add it to your soup rotation!  I know I will. ~Erin

Ingredients:

1 c. chopped celery

1 c. chopped onion

1 c. diced carrots

1 T. minced garlic

32 oz. chicken stock

4 c. water

1 lb. raw boneless, skinless chicken breast or 12 oz. cooked, shredded chicken breast

¼ tsp. oregano

1 bay leaf

½ tsp. black pepper

½ c. all-purpose flour

1 pkg. Chicken Rice A Roni, including seasoning packet

1 c. fat-free half & half

Non-stick cooking spray

Saute celery, carrots, and onion in cooking spray until the onions are tender and translucent.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the chicken stock and 4 cups water.  If using raw chicken, add it at this time and simmer until chicken is thoroughly cooked through.  Remove from pot and shred; set aside. If using precooked chicken, simmer the veggies and broth until the carrots are fork-tender.

In a small bowl, make a slurry with the flour and some of the hot liquid from the pot.  Whisk until smooth and then stir the slurry into the pot.

Add oregano, bay leaf, pepper, and Chicken Rice A Roni.  Simmer 15 minutes, covered, or until rice is tender.

Remove the bay leaf.  Sir in fat-free half & half and the shredded chicken.  

WW Info:  Green plan – 4 points per cup; blue plan – 3 points per cup; purple plan – 3 points per cup

Savory Butternut Squash Soup

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I’ve tried very hard to expose my kids to a wide variety of foods – even the ones that I don’t personally like. As they’ve gotten older, I’ve tried branching out with my own diet as well. I will admit that a part of this “branch out” journey has been due to the fact that I attempt to follow a fairly WW (formerly Weight Watchers) friendly diet these days.
WW allows you to eat as much as you want (within reason, of course) of certain fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. I’m always looking for ways to make those ‘leaner’ foods a larger part of my diet….because I am also all about a larger portion!  I’d tried some other recipes with winter squash but just wasn’t too thrilled with them. Winter squashes tend to have a slightly sweeter flavor, which isn’t usually what I’m looking for as a meal. So, when you can’t find what you want, you make it, right? Hence this Savory Butternut Squash Soup that is more on the spicy side and totally hits the spot.  ~Tracy
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Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash
½ T. chili powder
½ T. paprika
½ t. red pepper flakes
¼ tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic salt
½ c. finely chopped yellow or white onion
½ c. finely chopped red bell pepper
2 ½ c. fat free chicken broth
¼ c. parmesan cheese
feta cheese for topping, if desired
Preheat oven to 400.
Split the butternut squash lengthwise and place open side down on a sheet pan that has been lined with parchment or sprayed.
Roast the squash for 45 – 60 minutes until fork tender. Baking time will vary by oven and depends upon the size of the squash. Allow your squash to cool to room temperature.
Remove the seeds and stringy area and discard. Scoop out the squash and puree until smooth. If you have an immersion blender they work great for this step.  I use this one.
In a large sauce pan or soup pot, mix the pureed squash with all other ingredients except the feta cheese.
Saute on low for 30 min. Be careful to allow the soup mixture to boil as this could lead to scorching on the bottom.
Serve your soup topped with 2 T. crumbled feta cheese.
This soup makes approximately five 1-cup servings, but this may vary depending upon the size of your squash. The soup is one WW points per serving.
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Chicken Fajita Soup

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chicken fajita soup

I love a re-make of a classic dish everyone knows and loves.  This recipe was actually born on a whim.   I was trying to think of something different for dinner (sound familiar??).  Chicken fajitas kept coming to mind but it really wasn’t quite what I wanted.   I decided to take chicken fajitas and all those great flavors and make it into a soup.  Why not!!??   It is hearty and delicious, warm and comforting.  It has all the familiar flavors but in soup form.   It’s fabulous and has joined the list of regular dinners in our house.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, sliced into half circles
  • 1 large medium bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 T. water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2/3 c. canned fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1/3 c. Ro-tel tomatoes and green chilies
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 2 T fajita seasoning (from the packet – I used McCormicks)
  • 5 c. fat free chicken broth

Slice chicken into thin strips and remove all fat.  Separate into two batches.   In a heavy dutch oven or soup pot spread 1 teaspoon oil in bottom of pan.   Turn on heat to medium-high.  Once pot is heated, add the first half of the chicken.   Sprinkle with salt and pepper.   Add garlic powder and onion powder if desired.   Brown chicken on all sides then remove to a dish and repeat with second half, after adding the other teaspoon of oil to pan.    Keep chicken covered and warm.

After the chicken is browned and removed from pot, reduce heat to medium and add onion.  Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes, until it begins to soften.  Add bell pepper and 1 T. water.  Continue to cook and stir for about 2 minutes then add garlic.  Continue until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add fire roasted tomatoes, Ro-tel tomatoes, beans and seasonings.  Slowly add in chicken broth. Stir until combined.

Bring to a simmer and add chicken.  Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Serve with heated tortillas, cheese, avocado or guacamole, if desired

Makes nine 1 cup servings.

WW Info.:  Makes 9 1-cup serving at just 1 point each.

Italian Vegetable Soup

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This soup happened on a Sunday when I was looking for something to accompany our simple chicken breast supper.  I had a lot of random veggies in the fridge that needed to be used before the work-week started. Why?  We all know once Monday rolls around nobody is getting any real cooking done, and veggies left in the crisper are going to their graves. I decided I might as well use everything I had and turn it into a soup that I could have for lunch all week at work.

That Sunday afternoon, this Italian Vegetable Soup was born, and it’s become one of my favorite soups to make since then.  I make it often.  It’s delicious all by itself (and zero SmartPoints on WW, by the way!) but, if you really want to kick it up a notch, add some parmesan and croutons.  Yes, please!  When I want it as more of a main dish, I toss in some pre-cooked turkey sausage (sliced links or crumbles either one are perfect).  You see why I like this soup… so customizable and flavorful!   ~Erin

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Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 c. finely diced carrots
  • 3 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 T. olive oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 T. Italian seasoning
  • 1-2 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) fire roasted tomatoes
  • 6 c. chicken broth
  • Optional toppings:  parmesan cheese, croutons, precooked sausage (sliced links or crumbled)

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large stock pot.  Sauté onion, bell pepper, carrots, and celery for a few minutes until onions are translucent and veggies are tender.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, a minute or two.

Add zucchini and seasonings; cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add tomatoes and broth and simmer until zucchini is tender to your preference.

WW Info.:  This recipe makes approximately 10 cups.  Each 1-cup serving is zero SmartPoints on the Freestyle plan.  Be sure to add points for any additional toppings.

Lower Carb Chicken Noodle Soup

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Have I mentioned that my sisters and I are big fans of old fashioned comfort food?  Especially during the winter, I’m capable of carb loading like your average pre-hibernation bear.  Bread, noodles, and baked goods take the place of all other food groups. I have lovingly joked that I am blessed with a large, loud, and loving family….but not blessed with the genetics of a fast metabolism.  I also have two teenage boys to feed who have inherited their mother’s love of carbs. So, in the interest of health for all of us, I always look for ways to cut even the smallest amount of fat or carbs from our diet without sacrificing flavor.  Bless the hearts of those of you can be successful on seriously low or no carb diets. You have the will power of Super Woman (or man) in my opinion, but the reason I love Weight Watchers – now known as “WW” with the tag line of Wellness Works, because it really does work – and I can still eat the carbs!!

This recipe is born from one of my taste tests of a pasta product called Carba-Nada Egg Fettuccine from the Al Dente Pasta Company.  One cup of regular cooked egg noodles is 6 WW Freestyle Points. These Carba-Nada Fettuccine Noodles are only 4 WW Freestyle Points for one and a half cups!  More for less is always great in my book, and nobody in my family had any clue that they were a little bit healthier, and a little lower carb, than regular egg noodles.  

You can find the egg noodles using this link.  I highly recommend them! 

Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1T. reduced calorie margarine
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped white or yellow onion
  • 3/4 c. finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 c. chopped baby carrots
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 5 cups fat free chicken broth
  • 1 10 oz. can Campbell’s 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 10 oz. fat free milk (one soup can)
  • 2 c. chopped or shredded chicken breast (I use shredded rotisserie chicken breast)
  • ~1 10 oz. package Carba Nada Egg Fettuccini

Instructions:  

  1. Gently heat the olive oil and margarine in a large stock pot.
  2. Once heated, place your celery, onions, and carrots into the stock pot.
  3. Cook over medium heat until vegetables begin to soften slightly.
  4. Add salt, pepper, the bay leaf, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
  5. Stir gently to combine and bring to a low simmer.
  6. Add chicken breast and the entire package of egg noodles.
  7. Simmer slowly until the noodles are cooked to an al dente texture. Probably no more than 6 or 7 minutes, but check them frequently.
  8. Remove the bay leaf and discard it before serving.

WW Freestyle Info.:  This recipe makes approximately 9 one cup servings. Each serving is 3 points using the Carba-Nada pasta. Using regular egg noodles, each serving is 5 points.

We would earn a fraction of the funds should you choose to order your egg noodles via our Amazon affiliate links, though it won’t cost you any extra.

The Best Taco Soup

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Years ago when I was newly married, Tracy sent me a recipe box for my birthday.  Included were several recipes that she had handwritten. This is one of my favorites from that now well-used box.  I have made this more times than I can count and it’s always a hit. Taco Soup is a stick-to-your-ribs meal in one pot.   This version is different than any other I have seen. The addition of ranch dressing (trust me here, do not leave this out!!) adds another layer of flavor and creaminess.  We love to serve it with warm, buttered corn bread. This recipe makes a lot, so cutting it in half is feasible, but the leftovers are worth making the whole batch!!  ~Kathy

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Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs. lean ground beef (93/7) or 99% lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 pkg taco seasoning (1.3 oz each)
  • 2 (15 oz) cans chili beans or ranch style beans
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, mostly drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1 ¼ c. frozen corn)
  • 2 (15 oz) cans stewed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 (10 oz) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes with green chilis – you can use mild, original or hot depending on your preference
  • 1 ¼ c. water*
  • 1 c. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing (we use Hidden Valley)

Instructions: 

  1. In a large pot, brown ground beef, adding onion part way through the cooking process.
  2. Remove to drain any excess oil.
  3. Return to pot and add remaining ingredients.
  4. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

WW Freestyle Info.: This recipe makes about 11 cups. Each 1-cup serving is 6 points per serving if made with lean ground beef. When made with 99% lean ground turkey, each serving is 2 points.

** If you live at high altitude, increase the amount of water to 1 ½ cups.

Zucchini Soup

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I recently did a 28 day challenge at a local gym, Signature Fitness.  The challenge included 4 trainer-led (killer! – but doable) workouts per week and a meal plan.  Well, I didn’t exactly follow the meal plan (I do Weight Watchers anyway so I felt no need to deviate from that) but I did try to eat more “clean” during the challenge.  I didn’t win the 4 week challenge but I did lose a few pounds (which was not my goal) and some inches (that was more my focus).  Even though I didn’t follow the meal plan exactly, I did try a few of the recipes.  This Zucchini Soup is one of those.  It’s a very summery soup… does that make sense for a soup?  It does in this situation… it’s so fresh tasting!  You have a couple options for flavors here.  The original recipe calls for fennel.  I loved it with the fennel, but not all members of my family are fennel fans so I often make it with dill instead.  I love it just as much with dill, and it’s delicious served warm or cold, either one!  ~Erin

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Ingredients:
  • 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 medium zucchini, peeled and chopped
  • ½ a medium white or yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp. dried fennel seed OR ½ tsp dried dill weed (not both!)
  • 3 c. low-sodium chicken stock
  • Salt, to taste (plus black pepper if using fennel)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot with zucchini, onion, and fennel seed (if using).
  2. Sautee over medium heat until onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add chicken stock and dill, if using instead of fennel.
  4. Simmer until zucchini is very tender (about 10-15 minutes).
  5. Turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes, then blend with an immersion blender. If you do not have an immersion blender, let the mixture cool to almost room temp and then puree in your blender. Do not put hot liquids in the blender.
  6. Add salt (and pepper if you used fennel as the spice – pepper is not necessary if you used dill) to taste.
  7. If you used fennel, you may want to strain out the seeds at this point; they don’t blend.
  8. Serve warm or cold.

WW Freestyle Info: This soups makes about 4 one-cup servings. Each serving is ZERO points!

Crock Pot Chicken Verde – 3 Ways

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This recipe was born of necessity.  I needed lunch for the week and this is what I had in the pantry and freezer.  Well, let me tell you, it was a happy accident because, in just about 5 minutes of prep work, I had this going in the crockpot.  The result is 3 recipes in one! Throughout the week, I ate this as a dip (my favorite way), a soup with the addition of a little chicken broth, and a rice bowl…so versatile, so delicious!  ~Erin

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Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I use the individually frozen kind)
  • 1 can (16 oz.) pinto beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can (16 oz.) fat free refried beans
  • 1 can (15 oz.) whole kernel corn
  • 1 c. fat free salsa verde
  • 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chiles
  • 2 – 3 T. ground cumin (I used 3 because I love cumin)
  • 1 ½ tsp. garlic salt
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. onion powder
  • Corn chips, for dipping (I use Good Thins The Corn One – found in the cracker aisle), optional
  • Cooked rice, optional for serving
  • Fat free chicken broth, optional
  • Chopped cilantro, optional
  • Cheese, optional

Instructions: 

  1. Place frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. (You can use thawed breasts too but keep in mind it may cook faster.)
  2. Pour in beans, refried bean, corn, green chiles, & spices.
  3. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
  4. Within the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the chicken, shred, and add back to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir to combine the ingredients.
  6. Three ways to serve: 1. As a dip, serve with chips. 2. Add broth for a soup. Top with cheese, green onions, or chopped cilantro if desired. 3. Over rice; add cheese, green onions or cilantro if desired.

WW Freestyle Info: This is ZERO points. Be sure to calculate your added points if you serve with rice, cheese, or chips.