Easy Winter Weather Soups

Elderly Care in Hampton Bays NY

Especially as the weather turns colder, a bowl of soup can make for a delightful dinner for your senior. Here are some suggestions for meals that they can either make for themselves or you can make and share with them. As seniors age they can develop sensitivities both to the taste of spicy foods and their digestive process so be aware of how your senior feels about spice. And whenever possible, avoid using salt and be aware of any issues the senior has with chewing. If they can’t chew it, it doesn’t matter how wonderful the recipe is! Obviously, if your senior has any dietary restrictions or food allergies, these recipes can be modified to fit their needs.

Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup

(You can either use frozen or fresh meatballs or plain ground turkey) – 1 package

Diced celery, onion, and carrots (1 cup each)

Unsalted chicken broth (2 large containers)

Frozen chopped spinach (one package)

Brown rice or small pasta

If using the meatballs, microwave them first to heat them up. If using ground turkey, brown it with the celery and onion in a flat pan until it is cooked through. Using a slow cooker liner to minimize cleanup, add that to the slow cooker. Then combine all ingredients except for the brown rice in the crock pot and put it on low for 8 hours or high for 4. Prepare brown rice or pasta and serve with it. Warm, delicious, and nutritious. For variety, try adding diced tomatoes, garlic pepper to taste, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.

Lasagna Soup – all the flavor, none of the mess

1 package of ground beef or turkey

Unsalted beef broth (1 large container)

Chopped onion (1/2 cup)

No-Salt diced tomatoes with basil and garlic (28 oz. can or 4 small cans)

Unsalted tomato paste (one 6 oz. can)

V-8 juice (one cup)

Basil, garlic, and parsley to taste

Small shells pasta (one box)

Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Brown the ground turkey with the chopped onion until cooked through. Then, using a slow cooker liner to minimize cleanup, add that to the slow cooker and add all ingredients except the pasta and mozzarella cheese. Let it cook for about 7-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. Just before serving, make the pasta according to the directions on the box. Add pasta to the soup and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elderly care in Hampton Bays, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.