Pureed soups are not only comforting but also ideal for individuals on liquid or soft food diets. They offer a versatile way to incorporate essential nutrients and cater to specific dietary needs, such as those of cancer patients or individuals with difficulty swallowing. Blended soups are great because, often, you need just a few ingredients. Start with one all-star, seasonal ingredient like winter squash, broccoli, tomato, or asparagus.
The Beauty of Blended Soups
The beauty of blended soups lies in their simplicity and adaptability. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a flavorful and nourishing meal. These soups are easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary requirements, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. A soup like this can come together in under fifteen minutes - you cook the aromatics, add the main vegetable with some broth or favored liquid, and let simmer until the vegetable(s) are cooked through. Then you go to town with more spices and toppings.
Tools of the Trade: Blenders
When it comes to achieving the perfect creamy texture, a blender is your best friend. I throw the term blender around loosely here. If you don't have a traditional blender, a hand blender is fine. They work great, particularly if you're one of those people who avoids dealing with a blender because of the clean-up. ;) A high-speed blender can give an extra smooth, beautiful texture, but I used an immersion hand blender for years, making soups like these, before taking the high-speed plunge. Whether you opt for a traditional blender or an immersion hand blender, the key is to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Recipes for Liquid Diet Soups
Here are some delectable liquid diet soup recipes to tantalize your taste buds and provide essential nutrients:
1. Simple Carrot Soup
This simplest carrot soup! Carrots and onion form the base, it's spiked with dollop of red curry paste, and then pureed into silky oblivion. This vibrant soup combines the sweetness of carrots with the warmth of spices, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.
Read also: Is a liquid diet right for you?
2. Good Blended Vegetable Soup
This blended vegetable soup is a delicious delivery vehicle for a range of hearty vegetables. If you have onions, potatoes, carrots, and broccoli to use up, this is a great option. A soup that is a unfussy as it gets, easily adaptable as well. This versatile soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a nourishing and satisfying meal.
3. Alkalizing Green Soup
Ten ingredients in a blender, this soup is a potent jolt of alkalizing vegetables and herbs, made with a protein-rich split green pea base. This is great when you need an anti-dote to and overly indulgent week. Packed with alkalizing vegetables and herbs, this soup is a great way to detoxify and revitalize your body.
4. Stinging Nettle and Spring Garlic Soup
With their abundant vitamins and minerals, I'm always looking for ways to work more nettles into my diet. Andrea always inspires, and this is the perfect soup for springtime or if you come across nettles at the market (or out on a hike!). Use a veg broth if you'd like to keep it vegetarian / vegan. This unique soup showcases the earthy flavors of stinging nettles and the pungent aroma of spring garlic, creating a refreshing and invigorating dish.
5. Roasted Tomato Soup
This is a variation of the roasted tomato soup recipe I featured in Super Natural Cooking. I love it because it’s one of those recipes that is quite simple, but the results are absolutely chef’s kiss. You use just a handful of ingredients - tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, etc. - then slice and roast them to the point of browning and collapse. Puree, season with a kiss of smoked paprika, and enjoy. That's it. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky depth to this classic soup, making it a comforting and crowd-pleasing favorite.
6. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A simple, everyday broccoli soup made special with crusty, mustardy croutons and cheddar. Perfect for those days when you need some extra nutritional punch. This creamy soup combines the nutritional benefits of broccoli with the rich flavor of cheddar cheese, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Read also: Explore the pros and cons of liquid diets
7. Cauliflower Soup
This is the simplest of cauliflower soups. And it is so incredibly good. This velvety soup highlights the delicate flavor of cauliflower, creating a light and refreshing dish that is both nutritious and delicious.
8. Warm Almond, Garlic, and Parsnip Soup
A (remote) riff on Spanish gazpacho. I love the use of underutilized parsnips here, and the red grape and thyme finish. This unique soup combines the nutty flavor of almonds with the sweetness of parsnips and the aromatic touch of garlic, creating a complex and satisfying dish.
9. Broccoli Soup with Coconut
A simple broccoli and spinach affair, made with coconut milk broth, double greens (broccoli & spinach), and topped with good stuff like pan-fried tofu cubes, lots of toasted almonds, and shredded scallions. This vibrant soup combines the nutritional power of broccoli and spinach with the creamy richness of coconut milk, creating a flavorful and exotic dish.
10. Simple Asparagus Soup
Spiked with a dollop of green curry paste, this is a springtime favorite. Just a handful of ingredients, and you can use cashew nut or almond milk in place of the coconut milk if you like. This refreshing soup captures the delicate flavor of asparagus, enhanced by a touch of green curry paste for a hint of spice.
11. Pumpkin and Rice Soup
Ginger-spiked pumpkin (or winter squash) soup. It calls for fresh ginger juice, pressed from grated ginger, and a kiss of serrano chile. Just a short list of ingredients come together beautifully here. This warming soup combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the spiciness of ginger and serrano chile, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days.
Read also: Risks of Liquid Diets
Clear Soup: A Light and Refreshing Option
Clear soup is a soup that is made by simmering veggies, & or meat in a liquid until all the flavors are released. These soups are clear and are great for those on a liquid diet. Clear soups are made without the addition of any spices, starch or any other flavoring ingredients. Clear soup is made differently in various cuisines. I have shared the method I follow at home. It is a 2 step process where firstly all the veggies are simmered to make a vegetable stock. Next some more veggies are sautéed with ginger & garlic. In this post I have shown making vegetarian clear soup but have also added the details of how I make the chicken clear soup. Clear soups offer a light and refreshing alternative to creamy pureed soups. They are made by simmering vegetables or meat in water until the flavors are extracted, resulting in a clear and flavorful broth.
Making Vegetarian Clear Soup
Clear soup is usually made with veggies like carrots, french beans, mushrooms, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, yellow onion, celery stalks & sweet corn. To make vegetarian clear soup, follow these steps:
- Add 1 large yellow cubed onion.
- Pour water just enough to cover the veggies.
- If you don’t intend to eat the veggies then mash them well.
- Add 1 tbsp oil and saute 1 teaspoon each of chopped ginger & garlic for a minute. If you prefer to make it without oil then just skip the oil. Pour the stock, ginger & garlic and the veggies.
- Then add mushrooms and saute well until a nice aroma comes out.
- Simmer and boil until the mushrooms are done to your liking. Then add the spring onion greens. Add some salt if you prefer. Some restaurants serve it with soya sauce. Serve clear soup hot with some fried noodles or fried rice.
Making Chicken Clear Soup
To make chicken clear soup, follow these steps:
- Add 250 grams bone-in chicken along with veggies & 3 cups water to the pot.
- Cook until the chicken falls off the bone.
- Remove the chicken aside and then strain the clear soup.
- Shred the chicken and set aside.
- Heat oil and saute ginger garlic until aromatic.
- Saute the shredded chicken and pour the clear soup.
Tips for Making Delicious Blended Soups
- Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your soup will only be as good as the ingredients you use.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors: Try adding different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique soup recipes.
- Roast your vegetables for a deeper flavor: Roasting vegetables before blending them adds a caramelized sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Add a touch of acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten up the flavor of your soup and balance the richness.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil can add visual appeal and enhance the flavor of your soup.
Serving Suggestions
The key to serving an otherwise bland looking soup is to add a touch of color on top. I made some Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Spinach Pesto to compliment the Curried Cauliflower Potato and Cannellini Bean Soups. Serve clear soup hot with some fried noodles or fried rice. Pureed soups can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A side salad for a light and refreshing meal
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting and satisfying combination
- Roasted vegetables for added nutrients and flavor
The Importance of Nutrition
Pureed foods can be bland and uninteresting after a few spoonfuls. My goal was to make soups that contain anti-cancer ingredients and provide nutritious, satisfying, and comforting meals for my friend. When preparing liquid diet soups, it is important to prioritize nutrition. Choose ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and well-being.
Adapting Recipes for Dietary Needs
Liquid diet soup recipes can be easily adapted to meet various dietary needs, such as:
- Vegan: Use plant-based broth and milk alternatives, such as almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk.
- Gluten-free: Ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free, including broth and any thickening agents.
- Dairy-free: Omit any dairy products or substitute with dairy-free alternatives.
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and avoid adding salt.
Storage and Reheating
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating: Add to a saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also microwave it. Leftover liquid diet soups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.