Minestrone with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and White Beans

It’s hard to believe this hearty soup is nearly all vegetables. Our minestrone (minus the pasta) is rich in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates that help balance blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol.

Red Pepper-Carrot Soup

This soup boasts a smooth texture and a deep, rich flavor that comes from slow-roasting bell peppers. It’s also high in beta-carotene and lycopene, two antioxidants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Spicy Red Lentil Soup

Vegan   Red lentils soften up quickly when cooked, which makes them great for thickening soups. Tamarind paste has a sweet-sour flavor and can be found in Indian groceries or high-end supermarkets.

Garlic and Kale Soup

This brothy soup provides heart-healthful nutrition on many levels: kale and garlic are good for the cardiovascular system; wheat berries are high in fiber; and shiitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, an amino acid that speeds up processing of cholesterol in the liver. Once the wheat

Curried Cauliflower Soup

This soup’s secret ingredient—an apple—lends a touch of tangy sweetness that complements the curry’s spice. Letting the soup cool 20 minutes before blending helps deepen the flavors.

Smoky Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup recipes are often flavored with ham hocks, but this veg version gets its smoky taste from smoked paprika and chipotle chiles. Sweet potatoes and split peas are good sources of potassium, which lowers blood pressure.