Fight the Cold with Better-for-You Comfort Foods

(Family Features) Few things go together quite like cold weather and comfort foods. However, those hearty dishes that are typically craved on blustery days are usually not classified as “healthy.”

With the right approach, though, you can put a better-for-you twist on some of your favorite dishes that can keep you cozy and satiated during the winter season. For example, you can put a grown-up twist on grilled cheese and tomato soup with this recipe for Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

Pairing flavorful seasonal dishes like soups and stews with a wholesome snack cracker like gluten-free, non-GMO Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Crackers can help satisfy those comfort food cravings while also contributing to a healthy lifestyle. With 20 grams of whole grains per serving, these crunchy, robust baked crackers are also cholesterol-free, allowing you to take a back-to-basics approach to your diet using simple ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors.

For other seasonal recipes, coupons, tips and nutritional information, visit crunchmaster.com.

Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts

Servings 6

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe

Ingredients

  

• Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 carrot chopped
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch chili flakes
• 4 cups organic no-salt-added vegetable broth
• 1 can 28 ounces no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped prepared roasted red peppers
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/3 cup 35 percent heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives divided
• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
• Cheddar Cracker Melts:
• 24 Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Fire Roasted Tomato Basil Crackers
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

 

• In Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion, carrot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika and chili flakes about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.
• Stir in broth, tomatoes, roasted red peppers and bay leaves; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves. Let cool slightly. Transfer to blender; puree in batches until smooth. Stir in cream, remaining salt, 1 tablespoon chives and vinegar.
• To make Cheddar Cracker Melts: Heat broiler to high and position rack in center of oven. Arrange crackers on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
• Divide soup among six bowls. Sprinkle with remaining chives and serve with Cheddar Cracker Melts.
• Tip: Use mild, medium or aged cheddar cheese. Smoked mozzarella can be substituted, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories; 15 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 730 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 11 g sugar; 6 g protein.

Keyword: healthy

Source: Crunchmaster