There’s something about piping hot soup ladled into a bowl that signifies total comfort. Maybe it’s the aroma of a rich stew simmering on the stovetop or the pleasure of spooning into a velvety cream soup. Because slow cookers and multicookers continue to be popular with soup lovers, over half of these recipes can be prepared in one of those convenient appliances, and those recipes are flagged throughout the book. And as always with Cooking Light, comfort doesn’t mean excessive calories or fat—only simple satisfaction.
Cooking Light Soups & Stews
Editor’s Letter
WHAT HEALTHY MEANS NOW
HEALTHY EATING GUIDELINES
BEAN COUNTERS • Nutrient-rich, cheap, and shelf-stable, dried beans can transform your cooking. Follow our master method for the perfect batch every time.
EAT TO BEAT INFLAMMATION • It’s not just about eating a few “superfoods”—it’s about obtaining well-rounded nutrition each day.
4 GO-WITH-ANYTHING SIDES • Use seasonal fruits and vegetables to make these easy salads and side dishes that go with any meal.
01. VEGGIE FORWARD • FOCUS ON SEASONAL VEGETABLES INSTEAD OF MEAT TO MAKE SOUPS THAT ARE SURE TO SATISFY.
WINTER SQUASH WONDERS • Butternut and pumpkin are two varieties of winter squash that are as beautiful in the bowl as they are in the garden. Plus, they deliver a bounty of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber, and potassium.
02. SEAFOOD, POULTRY & MEAT • THESE HEARTY SOUPS ARE BRIMMING WITH FRESH SEAFOOD, TENDER POULTRY, AND LEAN MEATS, AND THEY PROVIDE YOUR ENTIRE MEAL IN ONE BOWL.
03. CHILI • BEANS OR NO BEANS. MEAT OR NO MEAT. FIERY OR MILD. WHATEVER THE STYLE, WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS SPICY FAVORITE.
FREEZER TIPS • Preparing double (or even triple) recipes and freezing portions for later is a smart way to cut down on prep work during the week. Some foods are better suited to freezing and reheating than others—soup, stew, and chili all stand up to the freezer well.
04. STEW • HEARTIER AND THICKER THAN SOUPS, STEWS CONTAIN JUST ENOUGH LIQUID TO SIMMER IN A COVERED POT FOR HOURS.
05. GUMBO • GUMBO GOES LIGHT. THESE CLASSIC CAJUN/CREOLE DISHES FEATURE A BOUNTY OF SEAFOOD, SAUSAGE, AND CHICKEN AS WELL AS RICH, VIBRANT FLAVORS.
06. TOPPINGS & SIDES • GIVE YOUR SOUP A LITTLE MORE PERSONALITY WITH THESE CREATIVE IDEAS FOR TOPPERS AND BREADS.
THROW A SOUP POTLUCK PARTY • Now, while the weather calls for comfort food, invite friends over for a soup-and-stew potluck party. Add another layer of fun with a challenge to compete for the title of the best dish of the bunch. Encourage all, from the timid cook to the trendsetter, to join in. And feel free to dip into the recipes we've provided in this issue, which cover all the style bases, from traditional to trendy.
