Slimming Garden Delight Soup
This Slimming Garden Delight Soup is the ultimate solution for those looking to shed some extra pounds in a healthy and delicious way. Inspired by classic recipes like the Weight Watchers Garden Vegetable Soup and the Cabbage Soup Diet, this recipe takes the best elements of these dishes while adding a twist with kidney beans for added fiber and protein. With each cup containing just 57 calories, you can enjoy this soup guilt-free while nourishing your body with a variety of colorful vegetables. Whether you're warming it up for a comforting lunch, enjoying it as a snack, or pairing it with whole grain crackers for dinner, this soup is not just filling - it's a flavorful blend that truly aids in weight loss. It's perfect for meal prep, lasting a week in the fridge and freezing beautifully for future enjoyment. Watch as the magic unfolds; the more you savor, the more you can lose!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
29 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
vegetable juice (V-8)
3 cups (store-bought)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
29 ounces (canned)
onion
1 small (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
mushrooms
10 ounces (sliced)
carrots
3 (peeled and sliced)
zucchini
1 (diced)
yellow squash
1 (diced)
green beans
2 cups (fresh or frozen)
kidney beans
14.5 ounces (drained and rinsed)
cabbage
3-4 cups (shredded)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (dry)
salt
to taste (season to preference)
pepper
to taste (season to preference)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan sprayed with cooking spray, sauté minced garlic, diced onions, sliced carrots, and mushrooms over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
2
While the vegetables are cooking, in a large crockpot, combine the sautéed mixture with chicken broth, vegetable juice, diced tomatoes, diced zucchini, diced yellow squash, green beans, rinsed kidney beans, shredded cabbage, and Italian seasoning.
3
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
4
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until all vegetables are tender.
5
If you plan to freeze portions for later, consider undercooking the vegetables slightly. Use freezer Ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible, and lay them flat on a cookie sheet before freezing. Once frozen, these bags can be stacked in your freezer for space efficiency.
6
To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator for 24 hours before warming it on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slimming Garden Delight Soup?
It is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable soup designed for weight loss, featuring kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
How many calories are in this soup?
This soup contains only 57 calories per cup.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific diet?
Yes, it is inspired by classic recipes like the Weight Watchers Garden Vegetable Soup and the Cabbage Soup Diet.
Is this soup suitable for weight loss?
Absolutely, it is high in fiber and low in calories, making it a filling and flavorful option for those looking to lose weight.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The soup includes onions, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, and cabbage.
How do I make this soup vegan?
You can easily make this soup vegan by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How should I prepare the vegetables before putting them in the crockpot?
Sauté the minced garlic, diced onions, sliced carrots, and mushrooms in a pan for about 5 minutes until softened before adding them to the crockpot.
What is the cooking time in a crockpot?
Cook the soup on high for 2 to 3 hours or until all vegetables are tender.
Can I freeze Slimming Garden Delight Soup?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. It is recommended to use freezer Ziplock bags and lay them flat on a cookie sheet to freeze for better space efficiency.
How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
The soup will last for up to one week when stored in the fridge.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Thaw the soup in the refrigerator for 24 hours before warming it on the stove or in the microwave.
What provides the protein in this soup?
Kidney beans are added to the recipe to provide fiber and protein.
How much cabbage is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 cups of shredded cabbage.
What kind of broth is recommended?
You can use 29 ounces of store-bought or homemade chicken broth.
What type of juice is used in the base?
The recipe uses 3 cups of V-8 vegetable juice.
What seasoning is used?
The soup is seasoned with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Should I use fresh or frozen green beans?
You can use either fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe.
Can I use different beans?
Yes, while kidney beans are suggested for fiber, you can substitute with other beans if preferred.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with whole grain crackers for a complete meal.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for two minced garlic cloves.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use 29 ounces of Italian-style diced tomatoes.
Should the carrots be peeled?
Yes, the carrots should be peeled and sliced.
How many mushrooms are required?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
Is there any oil used in the cooking process?
The recipe uses cooking spray to sauté the vegetables, keeping the fat content low.
Can I prepare this for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep as it makes a large batch and stores well.
Should I undercook the vegetables if I plan to freeze the soup?
Yes, if you plan to freeze portions, consider undercooking the vegetables slightly so they maintain texture when reheated.
How do I remove air from freezer bags?
Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the Ziplock bags to prevent freezer burn.
What size onion should I use?
One small diced onion is sufficient for this recipe.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, thanks to the variety of vegetables and kidney beans, it is a high-fiber meal.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you can adjust the salt and pepper to your preference to enhance the flavor.