Crisp Air Low Carb Soup (Printable)

A warming low-carb soup packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, ideal for cold weather.

# List of ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
03 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
04 - 1 cup baby spinach
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Protein

07 - 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced (optional, or substitute with extra-firm tofu for vegetarian option)

→ Broth & Seasonings

08 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Add sliced celery and diced zucchini to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Incorporate cauliflower florets and diced chicken or tofu; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned.
04 - Pour in the broth, then add dried thyme and oregano. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in baby spinach and fresh lemon juice. Cook until the spinach wilts, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
07 - Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It fills you up completely without leaving you in an afternoon slump.
  • You can have it on the table in under 45 minutes, start to finish.
  • It tastes even better the next day, and your leftovers actually improve as flavors meld.
02 -
  • Don't skip the lemon juice at the end—it's not optional flavoring, it's what makes the whole thing taste alive instead of flat.
  • If your cauliflower is still too firm when everything else is tender, you can break the florets smaller before cooking and they'll finish faster.
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and look intentional in the bowl.
  • Taste as you go—broth strengths vary wildly between brands, so you might need more or less seasoning than the recipe suggests.

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