If you love soup and want to save time and effort in the kitchen, then meal prepping is the perfect solution for you.
With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious and nutritious soups ready to go all week long. But, how to meal prep soup? So let’s dive right in and find out!
Why Meal Prep Soup?
Meal-prepping soup has several benefits. First and foremost, it saves you time during the week. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen every day, you can dedicate a few hours on the weekend to prepare your soups for the entire week. This means less stress and more free time for you.
Another advantage of meal-prepping soup is that it helps you eat healthier.
When you have homemade soups ready to go, you’re less likely to resort to unhealthy takeout or fast food options. Plus, by choosing your own ingredients, you have full control over what goes into your soups.
Lastly, meal prepping soup can save you money. Buying ingredients in bulk and cooking in large batches often results in lower costs per serving compared to buying individual meals or eating out.
Step 1: Plan Your Soups
The first step in meal-prepping soup is planning. Take some time to think about what types of soups you enjoy and what ingredients you have on hand. This will help you create a shopping list and ensure you have everything you need before you start cooking.
You can choose to make a different soup for each day of the week or make larger batches of a few favorite soups. Consider variety, nutritional balance, and any dietary restrictions or preferences when planning your soups.
Step 2: Shop for Ingredients
Once you’ve planned your soups, it’s time to head to the grocery store. Make a list of all the ingredients you need and stick to it to avoid unnecessary purchases. Buying in bulk can also help save money, especially for staple ingredients like vegetables, beans, and grains.
Look for the freshest produce and highest quality ingredients you can find. Remember, the flavor of your soup will greatly depend on the quality of the ingredients you use.
Step 3: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prep your ingredients. This includes washing and chopping vegetables, measuring out spices and seasonings, and preparing any proteins or grains you’ll be adding to your soups.
By prepping everything in advance, you’ll save time when it comes to actually cooking the soups. You can also store prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers or bags until you’re ready to use them.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
When it comes to cooking your soups, there are several methods you can choose from. The most common ones include:
- stovetop cooking
- slow cooking
- pressure cooking
Each method has its own advantages, so choose the one that suits your preferences and available time.
If you prefer hands-off cooking, a slow cooker or pressure cooker might be the best option for you. These appliances allow you to set it and forget it, while still achieving delicious results. Stovetop cooking, on the other hand, gives you more control over the process and allows you to adjust flavors as you go.
Step 5: Cook Your Soups
Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and your cooking method chosen, it’s time to start cooking! Follow your recipe or adapt it to your liking as you go. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
While your soups are simmering away, take the opportunity to clean up your kitchen or prepare any additional side dishes or garnishes you’ll be serving with your soups.
Step 6: Portion and Store
Once your soups are cooked and cooled slightly, it’s time to portion them out and store them properly. Divide your soups into individual or family-sized portions, depending on your needs. Mason jars, freezer-safe containers, or zip-top bags are great options for storing your soups.
If you plan to freeze the soups for longer storage, make sure to leave some room for expansion in the containers. Label each container with the soup’s name and date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
Related: How to meal prep without containers
Step 7: Reheat and Enjoy
When you’re ready to enjoy your meal prepped soups, simply remove a portion from the freezer or refrigerator and reheat it. You can do this on the stovetop, in the microwave, or directly from frozen depending on the consistency of your soup.
For an added touch, consider garnishing your soups with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of grated cheese. Pair your soups with a side salad, crusty bread, or cooked grains for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Successful Soup Meal Prep
Now that you know the basic steps of meal prepping soup, let’s go over some additional tips to help you succeed:
Use proper storage containers
Invest in high-quality storage containers (#ad) that are airtight and freezer-safe. This will help preserve the flavor and texture of your soups.
Batch cook
Make large batches of soup to maximize your time and effort. You can portion out individual servings or freeze entire containers for later use.
Get creative with flavors
Experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to add variety and depth of flavor to your soups. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations!
Label and date your containers
This will help you keep track of what’s in your freezer and ensure you consume the oldest soups first.
Consider mix-ins
Add cooked proteins, grains, or pasta to your soups when reheating for a heartier meal. This can help change up the flavors and make each serving feel unique.
Keep it balanced
Include a good balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates in your soups to make them satisfying and nutritious.
Use proper freezing techniques
If you plan to freeze your soups, make sure they are completely cooled before transferring them to the freezer. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
Thaw properly
If you freeze your soups, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This helps maintain the texture of the soup.
Store garnishes separately
If you plan to top your soups with garnishes, store them separately to avoid wilting or soggy toppings.
Rotate flavors
To prevent meal fatigue, rotate the flavors of your soups each week. This will keep things interesting and exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned vegetables in my meal prepped soups?
Yes, you can use canned vegetables in your soups. However, fresh vegetables will generally have better taste and texture.
2. How long can I store my meal prepped soups?
Your meal prepped soups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you plan to freeze them, they can last for several months.
3. Can I add dairy or cream to my soups?
Yes, you can add dairy or cream to your soups if you prefer a creamy texture. Just be aware that dairy products may shorten the shelf life of your soups.
4. Can I customize the recipes to fit my dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipes to fit your dietary restrictions or preferences. You can swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Do I need to cook the soup before portioning and storing?
Yes, it’s important to fully cook the soup before portioning and storing it. This ensures that the flavors develop and any potential bacteria are eliminated.
6. Can I freeze soup in glass jars?
Yes, glass jars can be used for freezing soup. Just make sure to leave enough headspace for expansion and avoid using jars with narrow necks that may break during freezing.
7. How do I know if my soup has gone bad?
If your soup has an off smell, unusual color, or slimy texture, it may have gone bad and should be discarded.
8. Can I reheat my soup in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat your soup in the microwave. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir the soup occasionally for even heating.
9. Can I add more ingredients to my meal prepped soup after reheating?
Absolutely! You can add additional ingredients like cooked proteins or vegetables to your meal prepped soup after reheating to enhance the flavors and make it heartier.
10. Can I freeze soup that has already been reheated?
No, it is not recommended to freeze soup that has already been reheated. Reheating can alter the texture and quality of the soup, making it less enjoyable when thawed and reheated again.
11. Can I meal prep soup if I have a small kitchen?
Yes, you can still meal prep soup in a small kitchen. Just make sure to organize your ingredients and equipment efficiently to maximize your space.
12. Can I use frozen vegetables in my meal prepped soups?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in your meal prepped soups. They are convenient and often retain their nutrients well.
13. Can I use homemade stock or broth in my soups?
Absolutely! Using homemade stock or broth will enhance the flavor of your soups. Plus, it allows you to control the amount of sodium and other seasonings added.
14. Can I meal prep soups if I don’t have a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
Yes, you can still meal prep soups without a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Stovetop cooking is a great option that gives you control over the process.
15. Can I double or halve the soup recipes?
Yes, you can adjust the quantities of the soup recipes to fit your needs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times and seasonings accordingly.
Bon Appétit!
And there you have it! Now that you have all the knowledge and tips to meal prep soup like a pro, it’s time to put them into practice.
Enjoy the convenience, health benefits, and deliciousness of homemade soups whenever you want. Happy cooking!
