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“Use What You Got” Soup

February26

This soup came along during our 4 day power outage in January. We were only able to cook on the wood stove or grill and needed to use what we had available. By day 3, we were at the end of our veggies, meat, and everything. We were keeping everything in coolers on the back deck. We had used everything that was really perishable. That meant we were left with root veggies and kale. What to make for dinner for not only us but also the family staying with us as well?

Soup in the winter is so forgiving especially when you have yummy homemade bone broth in the freezer or fridge. It makes the soup. Throw anything into some bone broth and you have a fantastic soup. Another key is having some pre-cooked chicken in the freezer. We cook up 4 chickens at a time, use the meat from one for dinner, cut up the meat from the other three to put in the freezer for soups, and then put the bones and other good bits into a stock pot for broth. We use the broth and chicken over the next few weeks and then repeat. Add any root veggies you have and you have my “Use What You Got” Soup.

Recipe: “Use What You Got” Soup

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Ingredients

  • Meat from 1 chicken, diced or shredded
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 8 carrots, peeled and chunked
  • 3-4 parsnips, peeled and chunked
  • 4-6 potatoes, chunked (optional)
  • 1 bunch of kale or other greens, finely chopped
  • 3 quarts bone broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1Tbsp dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a soup pot and stir.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce to a simmer and cook until veggies are tender. I let mine cook for 2-3 hours.
  4. Enjoy!!!

Diet (other): Gluten free, Dairy free, Egg free, Whole 30, Paleo

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Linked to Sunday Night Soup Night

posted under Soup, Whole 30/Paleo | 3 Comments »

Bacon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup

January27

**UPDATE**

After finally making this soup, I decided to make a few modifications.  I was so excited as I smelled the cabbage and bacon.  I added the seasoning and broth and I couldn’t wait.  Then I added just one can of diced tomatoes and I was bummed.  We really don’t like tomatos much but with all the rave reviews I received, I wanted to follow the recipe.  Turns out the tomatoes and sweet potatoes together were to sweet for my taste.  Next time, I’ll leave out the tomatoes.  The changes I will make next time are in parenthesis.  If this is the first time you are making this soup, start without the tomatoes and see how you like it.  Add them in if it seems like a good fit for you. 

**UPDATE**

So we have not actually made this soup yet but it looks tasty.  I am always looking for new ways to get greens into my family.  Combine it with bacon and I don’t see how you can go wrong.  I’ll give it a try this weekend and update you on any adjustments.  If you try it, let me know how you like it.

Recipe: Bacon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients

  • 1lb Bacon, diced
  • 4 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/2 head cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1-2 bunches kale, finely shredded (I used 1 bunch and it seemed plenty)
  • 1lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (Can sub regular potatoes)
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced or pressed
  • 2 14oz cans diced tomatoes (I will not be using these next time)
  • 4 cups chicken stock or more depending on desired consistentcy
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In your soup pot, saute bacon until crispy. (or cook the bacon however you are most comfortable just reserve some grease)
  2. Remove bacon and all but 2 Tbsp of bacon grease from the pot.
  3. Add the cabbage, celery, carrots, and onions to the grease and turn to low heat. Cover and cook for 30 mintues, stirring occasionally.
  4. Uncover and add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 40 minutes or until all the veggies are tender.

Diet (other): Gluten free, Dairy free, Egg free, Paleo, Whole 30

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posted under Soup, Whole 30/Paleo | 6 Comments »

Chicken Tortilla Soup

November3

We love chicken tortilla soup.  It is a yummy fall tummy warming treat.  If you are following a paleo/Whole 30 diet, make sure you watch the parenthesis for omisions and changes.  Thanks to Tenny at Cascade Crossfit for sharing this recipe with us.  

Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 4oz can green chilies
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bunch cilanto, 5 sprigs reserved, the rest chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 cup frozen corn (Substitute a bell pepper coarsely chopped)
  • 1-2 cans black beans (Optional)
  • 1 avocado, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8 oz cheddar cheese, Can be dairy free, grated (Optional)
  • tortilla chips, crumbled (Optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, boil chicken breasts until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from water and let cool; shred with two forks and set aside.
  2. In a large soup pot, heat oil, then add onions and saute until translucent.
  3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chicken broth, 5 cilantro sprigs, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered.
  4. Remove cilantro sprigs, and add in chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and corn, and beans. Stir to combine.
  5.  To serve, add soup to bowl and top with avocado, cheese, and tortilla chips. Or set all the toppings out on the table and let everyone serve themselves.

Diet (other): Gluten free, Dairy free, Egg free, Paleo, Whole 30

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posted under Recipes, Soup, Whole 30/Paleo | 3 Comments »
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My name is Sarah Nap. This website is for all you moms like me that have found yourself dealing with food allergies.

I am homeschooling mama to four sweet blessings. We are what most people would call “granola.” We see a naturopath as our primary care physician and eat mostly organic foods. But enough about me, let me tell you a little bit about our journey to cooking free.

Read more about my journey to cooking free here.