Saturday, October 23, 2010

Tips for Making Creamy LOW-FAT Soups

Winter is the season for soup. But, instead of opening up a can of the creamy condensed stuff, make your own homemade soup with fresh ingredients and half the fat and calories. By adding extra flavor with herbs and spices and other quality ingredients, you can cut the cream and butter but still have the same comforting taste of your favorite creamy soup.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

TIPS FOR MAKING CREAMY LOW-FAT SOUPS

COOKING TIP #1: PUREE
One of the best secrets to a thick and creamy soup is to puree some vegetables to use as the base. This keeps the fat and calories low but the flavor high.

COOKING TIP #2: REDUCE THE FAT
Instead of using heavy cream, use evaporated milk, half and half or reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream. Low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt is also a great substitution for cream. Yogurts can sometimes be sweet so balance out the flavors with plenty of herbs and spices.

COOKING TIP #3: MAKE A ROUX
For signature flavor and thickness, make a simple butter and flour roux for your soup base or add a paste of cornstarch and water. Then add a few vegetables and blend in a blender or food processor until it is creamy. You can also add some half and half if desired, but don’t add too much.

COOKING TIP #4: ADD PROTEIN
If you are a fan of tofu, substituting half of the cream in a recipe with tofu will lower the fat and add extra protein. It’s also a great option if you are cooking vegetarian-style.

COOKING TIP #5: SPICE IT UP
Be sure to use plenty of fresh herbs and spices. If you are using low-fat or fat-free products, a little extra salt, pepper, and fresh herbs and spices help ensure you get lots of flavor and don’t miss the fat.


LOW-FAT CREAMY SOUP RECIPES
  • LOW-FAT Creamy of Asparagus
  • LOW-FAT Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Spicy Squash Soup

image/info credit: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/807388/lowfat-creamy-soup-recipes

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http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/holidayrecipes/tp/winterecipes.htm

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A great collection of Low fat soups recipes, with information and cooking advice as well as a food glossary, nutritional and dietary information and food
http://www.cookitsimply.com/category-0020-049q0.html
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