Under the Median: 5 Easy, Inexpensive, Delicious Summer Soups

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

5 Easy, Inexpensive, Delicious Summer Soups

Soups are often considered to be a cool weather phenomenon. But, in my house, we eat them year-round!

Tasty, homemade soup is so easy and inexpensive to make! It's the backbone of our weekly lunch menu. If you look at my "$50 Menus" you'll see that soup is featured in every single post. Soup is a great way to stretch your food dollars and feed a hungry crew for very little money.

I generally make three large batches of soup early in the week and then everyone gets to pick their favorite to pack in small reusable containers to take in their daily lunches.

Homemade soup is:

fresh

inexpensive

wholesome

healthy

easy to make

quick

colorful

low sodium

a great way to use up leftover vegetables

Since we are CSA members, we receive a fresh bushel basket of seasonal produce every Saturday morning. I am absolutely adamant that no item will be wasted. So, I often put on my thinking cap and hunt up delicious soup recipes. Here are some interesting and inviting soup ideas, featuring produce from my weekly CSA box.

Sweet Corn Soup

I wasn't sure how this recipe would go over. However, surprisingly, I got a lot of "thumbs up" from my test tasting crew. They loved the simplicity of it. Paired with homemade cornbread or fruit-based muffins, this soup makes the perfect light summer supper.

Chilled Peach Soup

I have always felt slightly weird eating fruit based soups. It's almost like indulging in dessert before the meal begins. Then I remember that it has all healthy ingredients and the perfectly sweet wholesome goodness of fresh fruit is fine any time of the day. This recipe from Whole Foods is fantastic!

Potato Soup

This "creamalicious" soup is guaranteed to please everyone in your house! The surprise ingredients of lemon and ginger add both heat and citrus kick! It also goes together in about 30 minutes. So, even if you are tired after a long day, just have the kids prepare a side salad and set the table. By the time they are done, the soup will be all ready to serve. It's lip-smackin' good!

Summer Vegetable Black Bean Chili

This chili showcases the vibrant flavors of summer vegetables. Throw it in the pressure cooker to cook it quick and keep the heat out of the house.

Crock Pot Summer Vegetable Soup

I'm all for anything that keeps heat out of the house on hot summer days. I'm equally enthused about anything that ensures that no food is thrown out. This recipe fits both criteria perfectly! I can't think of many things more versatile than vegetable soup! You can throw nearly any odds and ends of vegetables into a pot along with some water or broth. Stick that baby on "low" for 8 hours. Voila! You have hot, delicious, simple supper fit for a king!