Make This Cold-Fighting Lettuce, Fennel & Pea Soup If You’re Feeling Under The Weather
Whether you’re sick or just plain sick of the frosty temps and in search of winter soups for cold weather, we’ve got you covered. This pea soup recipe has antioxidants, including vitamin C, which help fight disease-causing free radicals. And we can’t get enough of this delicious, vibrant, green soup.
“Salad isn’t the only way to serve lettuce in a bowl – here, it lightens up pea soup and adds some texture to make every spoonful extra satisfying,” says Giada De Laurentiis, creator of this pea soup recipe.
READ MORE: 3 Comforting Soups That’ll Boost Your Immune System
Why This Pea Soup Recipe Is Great For Colds
It’s packed with antioxidants: Peas are packed with antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, catechin and epicatechin. These antioxidants help build your immune system so you’re better able to avoid the sniffles. Fresh fennel bulb is also a good source of vitamin C which is critical for immune health.
It is hydrating: Lettuce is super hydrating. When you’re sick you’re always encouraged to stay hydrated and drink plenty of liquids. And because water makes up over 95% of raw lettuce it’s a great booster booster.
It’ll help you feel better: So there actually is a real reason people suggest you eat soup when you’re sick. The sodium in soup may act in a similar way to gargling warm salt water and help relieve sore throat pain. Plus, the heat helps clear nasal congestion and can relieve pain and sinus pressure. And of course, with all the veggies we tend to pack into soups, the nutrient-dense nature of soups may help, too.
READ MORE: This Aubergine Curry Is The Ultimate Winter Comfort Meal
3 Amazing Blenders You Should Make Your Winter Soups With
Smeg Hand Blender
This retro-styled set chops, blends, whisks and mashes. Plus, immersion blenders allow you to blend directly in your pot which means less dishes.
Nutribullet Blender Combo
Jug blenders make dumping and blending soups so easy. This one is especially great as you can use it while sauces and soups are still hot (no waiting for it to cool).
Smartlife Soup Maker
Five pre-programmed settings and powerful blades easily liquify veg, while a heating plate warms the contents inside. Hardly any dirty dishes thanks to this nifty gadget.
READ MORE: Are Wellness Shots With Turmeric, Ginger, Or ACV Actually Good For You? A Dietician Weighs In
Try One Of Our Favourite Winter Soups For Colds
Cold-Fighting Lettuce, Fennel & Pea Soup Recipe
Giada De Laurentiis
Adapted from Giada’s Feel Good Food: My Healthy Recipes and Secrets, this pea soup recipe has antioxidants, including vitamin C, which help fight disease-causing free radicals. Per serving: 731kJ, 9g fat (5g sat), 18g carbs, 6g sugar, 289mg sodium, 6g fibre, 7g protein.
Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes mins
Course SoupCuisine Healthy
Servings 4 peopleCalories 175 kcal
3 Tbsp Unsalted butter1 bulb Fennel, chopped, fronds reserved for garnish2 large Shallots, chopped1 head Bibb or butter lettuce, cut into 1cm-wide strips280 grams Frozen baby peas1½ cups Low-sodium chicken stock¾ tsp Fennel seeds½ tsp Kosher salt½ tsp Freshly ground black pepper
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add fennel and shallots. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften (about six minutes).Add lettuce and stir until it wilts (one to two minutes). Mix in peas, stock and one cup water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until vegetables are just tender (about five minutes).Transfer to a blender, add fennel seeds and purée until smooth. Return soup to the pot over a low heat. Add the salt and pepper and thin with water if needed. Once heated, ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fennel fronds.
Keyword comfort food, Easy Meals, healthy soup, Pea Soup, soup, vegetarian
Per serving: 731kJ, 9g fat (5g sat), 18g carbs, 6g sugar, 289mg sodium, 6g fibre, 7g protein. More
