Homemade Veggie Soup and Cucumber Tomato Salad- A healthy start to a new year!

A healthy start to a new year!

Now granted, I generally eat rather healthy and mostly whole foods to begin with, as I try to do as much as I can to keep myself as "healthy" as possible to sort of counteract all the things I have working against me healthwise...I am also gluten free due to an intolerance which helps eat a bit healthier and more wholesome foods as, generally speaking, they are cheaper than a lot of the specialty gluten free foods such as the GF cookies, crackers etc. I opt for an apple with some homemade trail mix (nuts and dried fruits all tossed in a bag and BAM! trail mix du jour!) instead! Much cheaper and tastier in my opinion!

So today, I have decided to share what I usually have for my daily lunch with some veggies (carrots, broccoli, celery etc) and hummus! It is hearty, wholesome, and quite filling and healthy all in one bowl- Literally! So... here it goes, here is the recipe for anyone interested and it can modified a million and one ways!

KP's Wholesome, Hearty and Healthy-licious Veggie Soup!

Ingredients: (as much as you'd prefer of each!)

carrots-chopped

celery-chopped

Onion-diced

corn-usually I use canned or frozen

potato/sweet potato-cubed- this helps act as a thickener/the sweet potato adds some nutritional value and vitamins if you opt for it!

cabbage- I usually use the pre-shredded that comes ready to use for cold slaw (it's a spoon saver)

Chicken broth- usually I make a quart or 2 at a time of the soup so I use a quart of broth, usually low sodium to watch the salt, also you can dilute it with water

tomatoes-diced-optional (I use them about half the time- when I'm feeling a little wild haha)

Season to taste (salt, pepper, I usually spice it up I like a little heat so I toss in a tablespoon of cayenne pepper, bayou cajan seasoning, a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes, a touch of lipton's french onion soup mix - I also use this when I do not have broth in the house- mixed with water it serves the same purpose!)

To make: Put all ingredients into large pot, over medium heat and bring to a boil...Then reduce heat to low and cover- let simmer for about one hour! Then... ENJOY! The longer you let it simmer the more cooked and thick the soup becomes!

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe:

I like to serve it with hummus and veggies on the side or sometimes, like tonight- with a cucumber tomato salad!

Ingredients:

(equal amounts of:)

Cucumbers-diced

Tomatoes-diced

onion-diced

about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil

about 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar (white or apple cider work best)

fresh garlic minced or garlic powder to season

salt & pepper

Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl- mix and bam! You have a delish side salad! If you make it ahead of time and let it sit the flavors really develop!

So the next time you need some new recipe ideas and are trying to keep it healthy- give it a try- If you do- please share your thoughts, how you made it your own and pictures too if you'd like! I'd love to see how you made it and what you thought too! Happy New Year and good eats to you all!