The "Anything Goes" Simple Soup Recipe

There's nothing better than sitting down to a bowl of hot soup after coming in from shoveling the snow. It's even better when it's homemade. Making soup doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it's the perfect solution for salvaging leftovers and getting some extra veggies into your diet.

My recommendation is to start by sautéing some diced onion in a little olive oil for a flavorful base. Then, throw in some veggies, maybe a chopped sweet potato (whatever's around!) and spices (I love to add a teaspoon of cumin); then add the broth of your preference—whether it's chicken, vegetable or water with a bouillon cube or two (I choose vegan cubes to avoid ugly additives). To minimize salt content, use low-sodium broth or add some water.

Include beans for a boost of fiber (tip: rinsed canned beans to avoid belly rumbling). If you like a creamier soup, try blending some white beans to add to the broth. Or maybe mix in a teaspoon of tomato paste for more flavor.

Finally, throw in leftover or fresh grains to bulk it up. I love to include quinoa for some added protein (tip: make sure to add extra liquid because it will soak it up as it cooks). Simmer till everything is cooked and season to taste. Want even more flavor? Add some chopped scallions, grated Parmesan or feta cheese before serving.

Voila, you've got lunch for a week!