The air is crisp, the snow is falling, and the days are growing shorter. For many of us, this time of year brings a longing for warmth, comfort, and coziness. And what better way to embrace the winter season than with a hot bowl of hearty, homemade soup?
Not only does a warm bowl of soup boost your mood on a chilly evening, but it’s also an incredibly frugal and healthy way to nourish yourself and your family. It’s also the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal produce deals. Next time your at the grocery store, look for bags of onions, carrots, and potatoes, which are often available at deeply discounted prices. Add to that the affordability of canned tomatoes and beans, and you have the foundation for a truly budget-friendly meal.
Embrace batching your meals:
One of the biggest benefits of soup season is the opportunity to cook in bulk. Make a large pot of your favorite soup on a weekend afternoon, and you’ll have delicious, healthy meals ready to go throughout the week. Most plant based soups will last a few days in the fridge. You can simply portion out individual servings and freeze them for easy, ready to go emergency lunches or dinners when you are in a pinch.
The options are endless:
The beauty of soup is its versatility. From classic vegetable and lentil to creamy tomato and hearty minestrone, the possibilities are endless.
- Spice things up: Add a touch of chilli powder, cumin, or turmeric for a flavourful and warming kick. This is where you can change flavours depending what you like and how you’re feeling at the time.
- Boost the nutrition: Include a variety of vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. This is also a great opportunity to use frozen vegetables if that’s more convenient for you. It can also be much cheaper to buy frozen veggies in bulk.
- Add some protein: Toss in some lentils, chickpeas, or even leftover tofu for a complete and satisfying meal. Lentils are currently one of my favourites!
A side of soup:
Soup doesn’t always have to be a main course. Get creative with it!
- Soup as a starter: Serve a small bowl of soup as an appetizer before your main meal.
- Soup for lunch: Enjoy a hearty bowl of soup with a side salad for a light and nutritious lunch.
- Soup for a quick dinner: Reheat a frozen portion of soup and pair it with a simple side of bread or a crusty baguette.
More Than Just a Meal:
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to slow down and savour the simple pleasures. Cooking a pot of soup can be a peaceful experience. It’s an opportunity to connect with the seasons, nourish your body, and create something delicious and nourishing from scratch. There’s something tranquil and primal about where I often feel connected to a more simple time when we weren’t always stimulated by society and we could slowdown and connect with our loved ones through food.
So this winter, embrace the soup season. Let the aroma of simmering spices fill your home, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a bowl of homemade goodness. You’ll not only save money and time but also nourish your body and soul.
Frugal Fridays Tip Summary:
Look for deeply discounted produce at your local grocery store. Often, stores will mark down produce that is nearing its expiration date. This is a great way to score amazing deals on fresh vegetables for your soups. Frozen vegetables will also save you from wasting fresh veggies before you cook them. Always have some frozen spinach, kale or broccoli in your freezer!
Much love!
