My health is still a little touch and go these days, though positively on the mend. Combined with K’s orthodontic situation, soups have been my go-to meals. I used to be so intimidated by soups back in my singleton days of living in a tiny studio apartment. I rarely cooked at home, and I remember being in awe when my neighbor told me about all the soups she liked to make. Despite her claims otherwise, I imagined having to slave over the stove for hours, endlessly tweaking and adding ingredients.
Now that I’m a more seasoned cook (albeit far from gourmet or expert), I scoff at my younger self’s fear of soups. Lately I don’t even follow recipes and dump in whatever seems compatible from the fridge or pantry.
Take this — unphotogenic, but truly delicious — veggie soup. I sauteed some onions in butter and olive oil, then added diced up celery, carrots, potatoes, mushroom, and then doused the whole mixture with chicken stock and water. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper and cumin and 35 minutes later, soup! It tastes even better the next day. With some french bread for dipping and leftover roasted broccoli and cauliflower, it’s hard not to feel good.
And last week, I made a kabocha-kale-potato soup, an equally un-camera-friendly concoction that is wonderfully hearty and satisfying. Â I also love making asian-style soups with soy or miso-based broths and tofu.
I’m still trying to cut down on sugar, and as such, I’m often turning to my Pinterest board for “healthier” desserts. Baked bananas with cinnamon and honey seemed quick and possibly super yummy, so I gave it a go. I seem determined to share unappetizing food photos today, and they aren’t lookers, these baked bananas.
The taste didn’t wow me either, but they were very easy to make. With a huge scoop of ice cream, these would be mighty fine, but I don’t have to state the obvious. Maybe if I bake them a little less (15 minutes is what I did for more caramelization), they would be less…goopy.
Next up for healthy dessert experimentation: chocolate avocado cookies!
Hi Sanae, I’ve never commented before but I really enjoy your blog posts– thank you! My two go to healthy desserts are plain 2% Greek yogurt with honey and crushed pistachios, and very dark chocolate (it seems that I have to buy at least 85% cacao to be able to only eat one or two squares :-)). I did broil grapefruit with crystallized ginger topping once and really loved it. And two awesome healthy cookies are Nicki’s Cookies from 101 Cookbooks and ‘Lifechanging Vegan Thumbprints’ from the Kitchn. Both are just delicious. Neither are low calorie but they have healthy ingredients and are less processed.
Thanks again for a great blog!
Those sound amazing, Kris! Thank you so much for your comment – I love it when I see brand new comments pop up in my blog admin screen. So thrilling! 🙂
Another huge soup fan here! Pretty much my go-to meal in these cold winter months – even better with a crusty loaf of bread but I’m trying to cut out the refined carbs a bit too. have you tried roasted butternut squash soup? There are many recipes out there and you really can’t go wrong with any of them . . . super yummy and hearty if you add white beans (pureed or not).
Love your blue Le Creuset pot! I’ve been eyeing them for awhile and have yet to make the investment. We just refinished our kitchen and all culinary purchases will have to be postponed till our wallet recovers:)
Btw, my vegan friend makes this amazing chocolate avocado pudding that truly tastes good – so I would have high hopes for the cookies! Good luck!
Butternut squash soup in on my list, Lucinda! I’m always a little intimidated by the size of the squashes, but since I’ve tackled the kabocha, I think it will have to get on the menu pronto! The pot was a gift a couple of years ago, and it’s wonderful. And long-lasting, so definitely worth the investment when you’re ready. I hope your kitchen remodel turned out exactly the way you hoped!! It must be SO nice to finally cook in the kitchen again 🙂
I like the sound of your soups. I have just made some really good healthy sweet snacks from recipes on Petite- kitchen.com, the raw lemon and coconut balls are our favourite so far. It is my current go to blog for new cooking inspiration .
ooh, I’m liking petite-kitchen! The lemon coconut balls and toasted almonds and bittersweet chocolate clusters sound amazing, as do all the others. I also love that she has diy skincare recipes too! Thanks, Lisa!