Inside Eats: Say 'what's soup' to these cozy, nourishing broths
As the semester comes to an end, deadlines pile up and stress levels soar. Regardless of this whirlwind, there's something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup. It's a simple pleasure — a momentary relief from the overwhelming chaos that marks the end of the semester at Rutgers.
These thoughtfully curated recipes are a practical and affordable way to find comfort and nourishment during these demanding times. Soup symbolizes a simple yet powerful element of self-care, reminding students that taking a moment for themselves is just as important as acing that final exam.
Chicken meatball and orzo soup
In the thick of late-night cram sessions, there's something soothing about a warm, hearty bowl of tender chicken meatballs nestled in a flavorful broth with orzo pasta. Take a break from the textbooks, simmer a pot of brain food and let its flavors transport you to a place of relaxation.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots (or baby carrots), diced
3 garlic cloves (sub 1 ½ teaspoons canned minced garlic), minced
4 cups chicken stock
1 pack of pre-cooked chicken meatballs
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Add spinach or a splash of heavy cream/lemon juice.
Instructions:
1. Preheat vegetable oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and carrots and sauté until caramelized for 8 minutes. Stir often.
2. Add garlic, and lower the heat to medium. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant (30 seconds). Take the vegetables out of the pot, and set them aside.
3. Add more vegetable oil (or butter) if needed, along with the meatballs. Cook the meatballs on each side until golden brown. Then, add the vegetables back into the pot, and pour in the chicken stock.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the soup mixture simmers, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions. Once tender, stir the pasta into the soup mixture.
6. If desired, add sautéed spinach or a splash of heavy cream and lemon juice.
Tomato soup
Seek solace in a homemade tomato soup, a vibrant blend of tomatoes and fragrant basil. Enjoy this meal's warmth and flavor while taking a well-deserved break from studying.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter)
4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 teaspoons canned minced garlic)
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 28-ounce cans of peeled tomatoes
1 cup chicken (or vegetable) stock
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried basil (or paste)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Add 1/3 cup parmesan cheese.
Instructions:
1. Preheat vegetable oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Add onion and sauté until caramelized (8 minutes).
2. Add canned tomatoes, chicken stock and sugar. Bring to a low simmer. Cook for 12 minutes.
3. Add heavy cream, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Using a spoon, carefully transfer soup to a blender. Puree soup until there are no large chunks left.
5. If desired, stir in parmesan cheese, and serve with croutons or grilled cheese.
These budget-friendly, nutritious recipes are ideal for sustaining energy and focus during finals week. Managing stress through proper nutrition is vital for students' mental well-being. These practices extend beyond final exams, projects and essays, shaping lifelong habits of prioritizing holistic health for a more resilient future.
