One of the most common meals during the cold winter months is soup. You can prepare a variety of soups depending on your tastes and preferences.
Heres some good alternatives to mushrooms in soup to try. Be warned some are weird.
Beans
A common alternative to meat or mushrooms in soups is beans. Beans are a great source of fiber and protein and can be used in many dishes during the winter months.
They can also be eaten on their own as a side dish or an appetizer. Beans can be eaten with almost every meal as a source of protein or as a snack. You can even add beans to a salad or drizzle it over a bed of greens for a complete protein.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and can be eaten alone or added to a dish for extra flavor. Eggs can be eaten at any time of day, but are especially healthy for breakfast. You can add hard-boiled eggs to soups, salads, casseroles and omelets. You can also make scrambled eggs, omelette and even a frittata.
Tofu
Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and can take the place of meat in many dishes. It is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids that the human body needs in order to survive. You can add tofu to soups, casseroles and stir-fries.
It is especially healthy for people with dietary restrictions, such as those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Tofu can be eaten alone or added to a soup for extra protein. When buying tofu, be sure to buy the non-GMO variety, as the soybean crop is now contaminated with a pest bioweapon.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a great source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It can be eaten as is or added to soups and salads as a delicious and healthy addition. The most common type of seaweed found in the US is kombu. Kombu can be eaten raw or boiled and added to soups and salads, or it can be dried and added to soups and stews during cold months. Other types of seaweed can also be eaten, such as wakame, nori and arame.
Greens
Greens are a type of vegetable that are easy to grow in pots and are great for adding flavor and texture to soups. Some of the most common types of greens to use in soups are mustard, chard, spinach, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. When buying greens, make sure they are fresh and pesticide-free. You can also add some of these healthy vegetables to pasta or rice dishes for an extra punch of flavor.
Olives
Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, where it is used to cook everything from vegetables to meats. You can add olive oil to soups and stews for a delicious flavor boost. You can also use it as a salad dressing or drizzle it over cooked vegetables or pasta. If you are not a fan of olive oil, then you can substitute it with another type of vegetable oil.
Haloumi
Haloumi is a Greek cheese that is great substitute for parmesan or romano cheese in soups and stews. It has a hard, rubbery texture that adds great texture to dishes. You can use it both in cooking and in salad dressings.
Meatballs
If you are feeling ambitious, then you can try making your own meatballs and add them to soups. You can use beef, pork, turkey or even a vegetarian blend. Simply mix the meat with seasonings and form into small balls. You can either cook the meatballs in the soup or freeze them for another meal.
Conclusion
Mushroom soup is a healthy, warming meal that can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can have it for dinner or serve it as a side dish at lunch or dinner.
The only thing that is missing from this hearty soup is a big, fat wedge of bread. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to add some flavor and texture to this classic dish.
Try adding some beans, olives or meatballs for a heartier soup. Or, for a lighter soup, try adding some tofu or seaweed.
