How to Make Nourishing Soups Your Kids Will Love (Using Hearty Soup Spice Blend)
A delicious and nutritious bowl of veggie soup my kids are very happy to eat.
There’s something magical about a warm, nourishing bowl of soup on a chilly day—especially one that’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and love. Soups have been a staple in my home, inspired by the comforting flavors of my mom’s Colombian cooking. For many years I bought a spice blend that reminded me of home and I used it in all our soups, stews, lentils, beans etc. I knew the blend had fillers and ingredients I was less than excited about so eventually I started making my own blend with all the good flavor, added nourishing herbs and none of the nonsense. Eventually I made this spice blend an offering in our apothecary and it is now known as Hearty Soup. A mix of spices like cumin, turmeric, celery seed, and nourishing herbs like shiitake mushrooms, nettles and dandelion root. Not only does it add delicious depth to every spoonful, but it also sneaks in bone-strengthening minerals.
Making soup doesn’t have to be complicated or follow a strict recipe. My approach is more of a template, leaving plenty of room for creativity and whatever you have on hand. The best part? My kids love every soup I make with this spice blend, making it easy to offer them fully cooked veggies, grains and spices, all in one yummy bowl.
Here’s how I make nourishing soups that my kids love.
More than a recipe, I offer you a template to make easy and delicious soups with whatever you have at home.
The Soup Template: Simple, Customizable, and Delicious
1. Start with a Flavorful Base
In a large pot, heat a spoonful of ghee or avocado oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant. This sets the foundation of your soup with rich, savory flavors.
2. Add the Star Ingredient: Hearty Soup
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Hearty Soup spice blend. This blend is balanced with Himalayan salt and black pepper, so there’s no need to add extra seasoning (unless you prefer). The combination of herbs and spices not only adds incredible flavor but also a host of health benefits.
3. Choose Your Grains
Add 1 cup of grains for texture and heartiness. Here are some great options that cook in about 30 minutes:
Rice (white, brown, or wild)
Barley
Quinoa
Lentils (red, green, or brown)
Farro
Millet
4. Load Up on Vegetables
Throw in whatever veggies you have on hand—soups are a great way to use up odds and ends in the fridge. Here are some favorites:
Kale (add at the end to avoid overcooking)
Celery
Carrots
Peas (also better added toward the end)
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Cabbage
Bell Peppers
Zucchini
Green Beans
Sweet Potatoes
Corn
5. Add Liquid
Pour in enough water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth to cover the ingredients generously. Typically, I use about 6-8 cups of liquid, but feel free to adjust based on the thickness you prefer.
6. Simmer to Perfection
Let the soup simmer over low to medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’re using tender veggies like peas or kale, add them in the last 5-10 minutes to keep them vibrant and slightly crisp.
7. Adjust as Needed
Taste your soup and add more liquid if needed. Soups are forgiving, so feel free to adjust seasoning, add extra Hearty Soup, or toss in a pinch of salt to your liking.
Flower Sprinkles are organic edible flowers, great to decorate soups, cakes, cookies and so much more.
8. Serve with Flower Sprinkles
Add a touch of beauty and fun to your bowl of soup with nature’s sprinkles.
Notes for Customizing Your Nourishing Soup Template
Adding Meat:
While I typically make my soups vegetarian, adding meat can be a fantastic way to boost protein and flavor. If you’d like to include meat:
Chicken: Shredded leftover chicken works wonderfully—just add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
Ground Meat: Brown ground turkey, beef, or chicken along with the onions and garlic for a heartier soup.
Bone-In Meat: If using raw chicken thighs, drumsticks, or other cuts, add them right after sautéing the onions and garlic. Allow them to simmer with the broth and remove to shred once cooked through, then return to the pot.
Make a Big Batch:
Soup is the ultimate leftover-friendly meal—it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Consider doubling the recipe to enjoy throughout the week or freeze portions for quick, comforting meals later.
Customize Your Texture:
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water as needed.
Why Hearty Soup Is a Game-Changer
Hearty Soup brings more than just yummy, comforting flavors to your soups—it’s packed with herbs and spices that help nourish your body and elevate your meals. Inspired by the warm, rich flavors of my mama’s Colombian cooking, this blend includes:
Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and aids digestion.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and vibrant golden hue.
Celery Seed: Enhances flavor while supporting healthy digestion and reducing bloating.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Rich in vitamins and minerals that support immunity and bone health.
Nettles: Packed with iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients that nourish and energize the body.
Himalayan Pink Salt: Provides trace minerals and balances the flavor profile.
Dehydrated Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and offers antimicrobial benefits.
Black Pepper: Enhances absorption of turmeric and adds a subtle heat.
Dandelion Root: Supports liver health and detoxification.
Making soup is one of the easiest ways to nourish yourself and your family, especially when life gets busy. It’s wholesome, adaptable, and—most importantly—made with love. So grab your Hearty Soup or your favorite spice blend, raid your fridge, and let the magic begin.
Have you tried making soup with Hearty Soup? Share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media!
Let’s inspire each other to stay nourished and cozy all season long. 🌿
