When the weather turns cooler, it’s nice to have soup.  Soup nurtures while nourishing you.

One of my fondest memories of childhood is my mother making soup.

For her, it was a several day process.  She would often make the stock from meat or poultry she cooked in her stockpot.  Then she would cool it, strain the stock and refrigerate it overnight.  She’d add vegetables the next day.  And a starch – rice, potatoes, corn or noodles.

Her soups were packed with vegetables, and very hearty.  And on a chilly day they warmed us body and soul.

Soup is nurturing and nourishing.  Caregivers and crafters can find it an easy way to fix a healthy hearty meal.

Do you make your own soup?

Soup is easy to make.  You don’t have to make it over several days.  It can be made in much less time.

Or in a crock pot.

One of the easiest soup recipes is hamburger soup.

It can be made with ground beef or ground turkey or chicken.  Ground poultry may require a little extra fat to brown without sticking.  Grass fed ground beef and hormone-free antibiotic-free turkey and chicken are healthier alternatives.

The vegetables can be added raw and cooked until tender.  Depending upon the size, usually within an hour.  Or you can grate vegetables to help them cook faster.

You can also use roasted or cooked vegetables.  In general fresh or frozen vegetables have more nutrients than canned. 

Hamburger soup is often a full meal in itself.  Although you can add a side dish, salad, bread, crackers, or something else.  You can even add seasonings after cooking.  This is especially helpful when juggling different tastes or digestive needs.

Experimenting with different ingredients is part of the fun of making soup!

A stick blender or regular blender can be used to puree soup if someone needs it.  Follow the manufacturer’s directions.  And you may find it safer to puree the soup when it is lukewarm or cool rather than hot.

For an instant download of my hamburger soup recipe, leave a comment on this post.  If you’re reading the post on a site other than Caregiving With Purpose, be sure to click here right now to comment on the original post.

To your healthy and happy caregiving & crafting,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com