Good vegetables for "sneaking" into soups?

[Narawen]

I've been working on becoming more healthy overall- cooking more at home from scratch, getting more into TF, etc. I still have a problem with getting enough veggies and fruits, so looking for advice from mamas who have maybe had to "hide" vegetables in sauces or soups for their kids.

I can eat leafy salads and some raw veggies like carrot sticks or broccoli, but I don't care much for cooked veggies, except corn and potatoes. I discovered a good chicken tortilla soup recipe that uses a diced tomato base and green chilies but purees them for a smooth soup (I'm fine with tomato puree and sauce, but can't stand chunky tomatoes). I added some corn kernels, which worked well and was thinking about diced carrots when I make the next batch- which may be really soon, I absolutely love this soup and it's simple and cheap to make.

Are there any veggies with weaker flavors that would work well in the tomato puree so I wouldn't really notice them? I was wondering about beans, but wouldn't they thicken the soup or add a weird texture, even if pureed? Would half an onion be too strong? TIA for any suggestions.

[calebsmommy25]

Almost anything I make from scratch, I start off with a base of celery, onions, garlic and carrots. If it is a mexican inspired dish, I also always add sweet (and hot) peppers, diced tomatoes, corn and black beans. Since it is summer, you could also add in diced squash.

For a red tomato sauce, the same base, but have also added a head of lettuce (if on its way out) and spinach. If I puree the sauce, I add the spinach (or sometimes kale). I have never tried to puree a sauce with beans in it.

[rhianna813]

Yeah I would summer squash can be pureed easily and is rather bland.

I also add veggies to muffins, like shredded summer squash, carrots or canned pumpkin. Adds moisture without really knowing it's there.

Also if you like V8 juice, you could make your own. It has a lot of different veggies but a tomato base that is chunk free. I've used V8 has a soup base before.

Rhianna

[calebsmommy25]

Originally Posted by rhianna813

Yeah I would summer squash can be pureed easily and is rather bland.

I also add veggies to muffins, like shredded summer squash, carrots or canned pumpkin. Adds moisture without really knowing it's there.

Also if you like V8 juice, you could make your own. It has a lot of different veggies but a tomato base that is chunk free. I've used V8 has a soup base before.

Rhianna

Yes! Muffins are a FANTASTIC way to get extra goodness in your diet when you make them yourself. Getting them out somewhere (most places) they are junk food disguised as 'health' food. I have a couple of good muffin recipes, if you are interested. I haven't done much baking the last few months...too stinkin hot! You could add some shredded carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, or fruit to pancakes too.