What’s better than a hot bowl of soup on winter’s evening? There’s something about soup that not only warms the insides but makes everything seem just a little cozier. The best part about soup is that it is quite easy to make, and even the busiest family caregiver or homecare provider can do it.

For those days that never seem to end and when the tasks threaten to overwhelm everything, family caregivers and homecare providers can whip up a delicious soup and pair it with a green salad and hot buttered bread for a complete meal.

Soup is also extremely nutritious, with a combination of vegetables, meat and savory spices. Many soup dishes feature a range of vegetables, which boosts nutrition for everyone—the aging adult, the family caregiver and the homecare provider. There’s no doubt about it—soup provides taste, convenience and nutrition in one delicious package.

Here are three winter soup recipes that even busy family caregivers can find the time to make:

Cauliflower Pepper Soup

3 strips of bacon

1/2 small yellow onion, chopped

1 red pepper, peeled and chopped

1 green pepper, peeled and chopped

3 C cauliflower florets, chopped

4 cups chicken stock

In a pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside. Add onion and peppers and cook in the bacon grease until softened. Add in cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Pour in the chicken stock and bring it all to boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the soup cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully pour the soup into the blender and do so until it is smooth. Return it to the stovetop to reheat and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Golden Mushroom Soup

1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

3/4 tsp salt

1 can condensed golden mushroom soup

2 1/2 C water

2 C mushrooms

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat butter in a sauce pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened. Add the water and bring to a boil. Add in the mushrooms and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 C cooked chicken, diced

2 C sliced carrots

1/2 Tbsp chopped garlic

6 C low-sodium chicken broth

1 to 3 tsp hot sauce, depending on preference

4 C egg noodles

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then sauté onions and carrots until the vegetables are soft, about 6 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients except the noodles and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the noodles, reduce the heat to simmer and cover. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes or until the noodles are soft. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

For Homecare Services in Millington TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!