Am I the only one that ate a few too many goodies during the holidays? This week I finally admitted to myself that the 7 or so pounds I put on during the month of December isn’t going to just melt away on it’s own like it did when I was in my 20′s and decided it was time to whip up a batch of my famous Winter Diet Soup.
I’m not normally one for dieting but this week I was definitely looking for something to help me drop a few holiday pounds relatively quickly.
The great thing about this soup–besides the fact that it is super yummy–is that it makes a HUGE batch, enough to last about a week, assuming you are eating 1-2 bowls of it per day. I love that I can just make it one day and then not have to think about it the rest of the week, because my biggest problem is that I make poor food choices when I’m busy because I’ll often just grab what is quickest and easiest. It doesn’t get any quicker or easier then heating up some soup!
Winter Diet Soup
8 tomatoes, cut into large chunks olive oil 5 medium onions, chopped 1 bunch bok choy, chopped (including greens) 1 head cabbage, chopped 1 bunch carrots, sliced 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped 3 tablespoons minced garlic 16-20 cups water or vegetable broth or chicken broth 6 medium gold potatoes, chopped 2-3 packets onion soup mix (optional) 2 teaspoons salt (more to taste) 1/4 teaspoon pepper (more to taste)1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange tomatoes on foil lined pan brushed with olive oil. Brush tops of tomatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes.
2. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in the bottom of an extra large stock or soup pot over medium high heat. (I actually use two (2) standard-size stock pots.) Add onions and sauté until lightly golden and tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium and begin adding additional vegetables, 1 at a time, stirring well to ensue all the vegetables get coated in the oil. If you are using more than one pot, divide the vegetables equally among them.
4. Add water or broth and potatoes, stirring well, the add onion soup mix, salt, & pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, & let simmer for at least an hour. Store in refrigerator. Soup keeps nicely for at least a week.
In case you’re wondering, in addition to the soup, I’ve been eating a lot of fresh fruit & vegetables (which we have an abundance of, thanks to our weekly Worden Farm box) and proteins–edamame, cottage cheese, & eggs–and drinking a LOT of water. So far it seems to be working. I’ve lost 4 pounds since Monday! (Can I get a little woot woot?)
So what about you? Did you gain any weight over the holidays? What are your secret weight-loss weapons?
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Debbie January 20, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Can I ask what Kale and Bok Choy is and how do you like it? I thought of growing some Kale this summer in my garden for my grandmother, she said it’s kinda like salad.. But wasn’t sure what it actually is like. I have local farms that do CSA shares as well and am going to get a fruit share this year but not veggies. I can’t afford all of it.. but I do grow my own veggies, so that helps
I’ll be keeping this recipe, looks interesting and has lots of veggies.. and lord knows I need to lose those extra holiday pounds!
Ruth January 23, 2012 at 3:56 am
I’m not totally sure how to describe either one! Kale is a dark green leafy thing, but denser than lettuce. It has to be cooked to eat it I think. Bok Choy comes in a bunch that looks a little like white celery stalks with leaves that look a bit like collard greens.
Michelle January 20, 2012 at 1:30 pm
That looks so good!
Ruth January 23, 2012 at 3:57 am
Thanks Michelle.
Caity January 20, 2012 at 2:36 pm
this soup looks awesome!.. I have been thinking about how I feel so “ugh” lately. Tired and sluggish is no way to be going through your days especially with a little one. So i started doing the same thing eating lots of soup and drinking LOTS of water and hot tea. So far this week I have been more productive and motivated than the past few weeks. The holidays really take over your life…………….. Thanks or sharing the recipe can’t wait to try it out!
Ruth January 23, 2012 at 3:56 am
You’re welcome!
Claire January 20, 2012 at 8:14 pm
YUM! That looks awesome Ruth! (and you go ON with your bad self! 4 lbs in a week? Woot!!)
Ruth January 23, 2012 at 3:57 am
Thanks Claire. And LOL
Debbie January 21, 2012 at 9:42 am
Thanks so much for the recipe Ruth!
Ruth January 23, 2012 at 3:57 am
You’re welcome Debbie!
Mark Bowman January 23, 2012 at 9:18 am
Thanks for the recipe Ruth, sounds yummy! One question, the recipe doesn’t mention adding the roasted tomatoes, the text mentions adding additional vegetables, 1 at a time, but the photo doesn’t look like tomatoes are in it. are they eaten on the side?
Ruth January 23, 2012 at 10:49 am
Oh shoot, I guess I should have clarified that! I’ll be sure to change it above, but I just added the tomatoes at the same time as the broth/water.
Brenda January 24, 2012 at 1:49 pm
I made the Winter Diet Soup on Sunday and I have gotten alot of compliments at work at how great it smells. It not only smells great but tastes great also! Thanks for sharing.
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