January is National Soup Month, which is very appropriate since soup is a popular food during the winter months. Soup is a nutritious food that is easy to prepare. Soup is available in single serve to family size packaging. Today's supermarket carries a large variety of soup styles, from reconstitutes to ready-to-serve. Microwaves have made it even easier to have soup on the run. Be aware that most convenience soups have high sodium contents. Low sodium soups are readily available and recommended, especially for individuals who need to lower their salt consumption.

Some soup is hearty enough to be the main course. Homemade soups made with the right ingredients can be packed full nutrients and are cost effective. When preparing your own soup recipe, you are able to control the amount of salt and fat. For example: if the recipe calls for chicken or beef broth, you can choose a low sodium broth base. If the recipe lists milk, you can use low fat or skim milk.

To determine if your soup is hearty and nutritious compare the ingredients to the food pyramid. Most soups contain vegetables, starch (pasta, noodles or rice), legumes, meat and dairy (for cream soups). When planning your meal, make soup the main course. Then balance your meal by adding a tossed green salad, fruit cup and whole grain bread.

Minestrone

	1 cup thinly sliced celery, (2 medium stalks)
	1 cup sliced zucchini (1 small)
	1 cup shredded cabbage
	½ cup chopped onion (1 medium)
	½ cup uncooked elbow macaroni
	1 ¼ cups water
	2 teaspoons vegetable bouillon granules (low sodium)
	1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
	1 clove garlic, crushed
	1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, undrained
	1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, undrained
	1 can (8 oz) kidney beans, undrained
	1 cup frozen corn

Add all ingredients to Dutch oven. Heat to boiling in Dutch oven, breaking up tomatoes; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender. Serves 6.


{Nutrition information: 1 serving: 305 calories, 3gm Fat
(1gm saturated fat), 480mg sodium}