There’s no denying that soup is one of the most comforting winter meals, but hearty soups tend to go heavy on the cream (and calories!). We’ve rounded up some of our favorite creamy soups that you can indulge in, as they all have light, healthy twists that boost the flavor factor but decrease the guilt.
Thai Coconut Seafood Soup
This Asian-inspired Thai Coconut Seafood Soup recipe from Food and Wine gets its creaminess from unsweetened coconut milk, making it a perfect option for those who don’t eat dairy. It features savory Asian ingredients like fish sauce, mint, lime and curry paste. And since scallops and shrimp take very little time to cook, this whole recipe takes only 12 minutes to prepare!
Makeover Creamy Seafood Soup
This Makeover Creamy Seafood Soup recipe from Taste of Home is actually a modification of a classic recipe, but with half the cholesterol, a quarter of the fat and half the calories. It calls for a combination half-and-half cream and skim milk rather than full cream and reduced-sodium chicken broth instead of the regular, sodium-packed version. Succulent scallops and shrimp are the star of this soup, while onion, bell pepper and celery add extra texture and flavor.
Lighter Fish Chowder
BBC Good Food’s Lighter Fish Chowder recipe is a healthier take on the New England classic that’s often enjoyed on cold, winter nights. Potatoes, leeks, garlic and sprigs of thyme give the broth a delicious dose of vegetable flavor, while the addition of just 3 tablespoons of half-fat crème fraîche ensures the soup is creamy, yet still light. While the recipe calls for salmon and pollack or haddock, you could substitute them for any other fish you may have on hand, such as Tilapia.
Maine Pumpkin Soup With Sautéed Scallops and Ginger Cream
Pumpkin soup is always a hit come wintertime, but this Maine Pumpkin Soup With Sautéed Scallops and Ginger Cream from Taste.com has a little extra kick thanks to the addition of fresh, spicy ginger and a juicy green apple. While this recipe does call for double cream, it only has half a cup and since it serves eight people, it works out to a small amount per serving. The mild, tender scallops in this soup are a perfect pairing for this flavorful broth.
Non-Dairy Creamy Vegetable Soup
Just because you can’t eat dairy doesn’t meant you have to skip creamy soups! This Non-Dairy Creamy Vegetable Soup from The Healthy Foodie gets its creamy texture from blended cauliflower and ghee (try swapping it for coconut or avocado oil), while the Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash and rutabaga provide the flavor and nutrients.
Tilapia Corn Chowder
Tender, bite-sized Tilapia and crunchy kernels of corn are the basis of this comforting Tilapia Corn Chowder recipe from Eating Well. The broth gets its creaminess from a reduced amount of half-and-half, while the addition of potatoes, celery and leeks add a light flavor to this savory broth. Since Tilapia doesn’t have a strong fishy flavor, this would be a great choice for those who are looking to increase their weekly fish intake but don’t usually enjoy eating fish.
Thanks to these creamy soup recipes, you’ll be able to stay warm, cozy and healthy this winter without feeling any of the guilt that often comes with comfort foods.
Photo credits: The Healthy Foodie, Food and Wine, Lucky_elephant / Shutterstock.com, Elena Shashkina / Shutterstock.com, Taste.com, The Healthy Foodie, Eating Well