If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious soup option, look no further than asparagus and pea soup! At just 370 calories per 16 oz serving, this soup is a great choice for a filling and satisfying meal. But that's not all - asparagus and peas are packed with health benefits that make this soup a smart choice for your diet.
Asparagus and peas are both rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help support your overall health. Asparagus is a great source of vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C, while peas are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Additionally, both vegetables contain fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional benefits of asparagus and peas, as well as how to prepare asparagus and pea soup for maximum flavor and nutrition.
Benefits of asparagus and peas
As mentioned, asparagus and peas are both incredibly nutrient-dense and offer a wide range of health benefits. For example, asparagus is known for its ability to support healthy digestion thanks to its fiber content, and it may also help lower blood pressure due to its high levels of potassium. Peas, on the other hand, have been shown to support heart health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Eating asparagus and peas together in a delicious soup is a great way to reap all of these health benefits in one convenient and tasty meal.
Nutritional content of asparagus and peas
In addition to their health benefits, asparagus and peas are also incredibly nutritious vegetables. Here's a breakdown of their nutritional content: - Asparagus: 1 cup of cooked asparagus contains 40 calories, 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and high amounts of vitamins K, C, and folate. - Peas: 1 cup of cooked peas contains 125 calories, 8 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and high amounts of vitamins A, C, and potassium.
How to prepare asparagus and pea soup
Now that you know all about the health benefits and nutritional content of asparagus and peas, let's explore how to make a delicious soup with these two powerhouse veggies! Ingredients: - 1 lb asparagus, chopped
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving size and calorie count
One serving of asparagus and pea soup is typically around 16 oz, or 2 cups. At this serving size, the soup contains approximately 370 calories. Of course, you can adjust the serving size as needed to fit your personal calorie needs. Keep in mind that this soup is filling and satisfying, so you may find that you don't need a huge serving to feel satisfied. Additionally, if you'd like to lower the calorie count of the soup, you can modify the recipe by using low-fat Greek yogurt or reducing the amount of oil used to sauté the vegetables.
Protein content in asparagus and pea soup
Protein is an important nutrient that helps support muscle growth and repair, and it's essential for a healthy and balanced diet. Luckily, asparagus and peas are both decent sources of protein, and when combined, they make for a relatively high-protein soup option. One serving of asparagus and pea soup contains approximately 12 grams of protein, thanks to the inclusion of both vegetables and Greek yogurt in the recipe. This makes it a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
Carbohydrate count in asparagus and pea soup
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, but it's important to consume them in moderation for optimal health. Luckily, asparagus and peas are both relatively low-carbohydrate vegetables, which makes them a smart choice for anyone looking to minimize their carb intake. One serving of asparagus and pea soup contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates, which is a moderate amount. However, keep in mind that these carbs come from nutrient-dense veggies, so they're nothing to worry too much about!
Fiber content in asparagus and pea soup
Fiber is an important nutrient that supports digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction after eating. Luckily, asparagus and peas are both excellent sources of fiber, which makes this soup a great choice for anyone looking to up their fiber intake. One serving of asparagus and pea soup contains approximately 12 grams of fiber, thanks to the inclusion of both vegetables in the recipe. This makes it a filling and satisfying meal option that can help keep you feeling full for hours.
Fat content in asparagus and pea soup
Fat is an important macronutrient that plays many essential roles in the body, but it's important to consume it in moderation for optimal health. Luckily, asparagus and peas are both relatively low in fat, which makes them a smart choice for anyone looking to minimize their fat intake. One serving of asparagus and pea soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat, which is a moderate amount. However, keep in mind that these fats come from healthy sources like olive oil and Greek yogurt, so they're nothing to worry too much about!
Sodium levels in asparagus and pea soup
Sodium is an essential mineral that plays many important roles in the body, but most people consume too much of it in their diets. Unfortunately, asparagus and peas are both relatively high in naturally-occurring sodium, which means that this soup can be quite high in sodium as well. One serving of asparagus and pea soup contains approximately 1,400 milligrams of sodium, which is quite high. If you're looking to lower your sodium intake, be sure to watch your portion size and consider using low-sodium broth in the recipe.
Variations of asparagus and pea soup
Lastly, if you're looking to mix things up with your asparagus and pea soup, there are plenty of variations you can try! For example, you can add some diced potatoes to the recipe for a heartier version of the soup, or experiment with different seasonings like curry powder or cumin for a unique flavor profile. You can also try using different types of greens in the soup, like spinach or kale, to add even more nutritional benefits. The possibilities are endless!
Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor. - Marge Kennedy
5 FAQ About Asparagus & Pea Soup
1. Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal products.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
It depends on the recipe, but this soup could be gluten-free if it is made without any wheat-containing ingredients or thickeners.
3. Is this soup high in protein?
No, this soup is not particularly high in protein. However, there may be some protein present from the peas and asparagus used in the recipe.
4. Will this soup help me lose weight?
This soup is relatively low in calories compared to many other meals, so it may assist with weight loss as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise regimn.
5. How can I make this soup at home?
There are many recipes available online for asparagus and pea soup that you can follow, or you can experiment with creating your own version. Basic steps of the recipe typically include sautéing chopped onions and garlic in a pot, adding diced potatoes and chicken or vegetable broth, then adding the asparagus and peas and simmering until everything is tender before blending until smooth.