This fun and light soup called Negative Calorie Soup, or Ballerina Soup, is filled with lots of fresh veggies like celery, tomatoes, and greens. It’s warm, tasty, and super low in calories!
I love to sip on this soup when I need a cozy meal. Plus, it feels great to enjoy a dish that seems to burn more calories than it has! Who wouldn’t want that? 😂
Making this soup is a breeze! Just chop the veggies, throw them in a pot with some broth, and let it simmer. Easy and healthy—just my style!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a vibrant flavor and body to the soup. If they aren’t in season, you can use canned tomatoes instead—just make sure to drain them well.
Celery: This crunchy veggie helps create the soup’s base. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or substitute with chopped zucchini or carrots for a different flavor.
Onions: Onions provide a foundational taste. I love using yellow onions for their balanced sweetness. If you need a milder taste, try green onions instead.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a nice color and flavor. You can swap it with any bell pepper color or even a few jalapeños if you prefer a spicy kick!
Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley brighten the dish. If you’re not a fan of either, fresh basil or dill would also work great.
How Do You Ensure Your Soup Has the Right Flavor?
The key to making a flavorful soup lies in the subtle layering of ingredients. Start with sautéing onions and garlic to build a tasty base. This will add depth right from the start!
- Sauté: Start by heating olive oil (if using) in your pot and sauté onions and garlic until they’re soft. This step makes a big difference.
- Cook Veggies: After adding the tomatoes and bell peppers, let them soften a bit. This helps release their flavors into the soup.
- Simmer: Adjust heat to simmer the mixture. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your soup as it cooks! This helps you notice what it might need—more salt, pepper, or spice!
With these insights and techniques, you’ll be on your way to making a delicious and nutritious Negative Calorie Soup. Enjoy your healthy cooking!
Negative Calorie Soup Recipe aka Ballerina Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp chili powder or paprika for a little heat
- Optional: lemon juice to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-40 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes before you get to enjoy your tasty bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat (if you’re using it). Once it’s warm, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and smell wonderful.
2. Add Your Veggies:
Next, toss in the chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, and celery. Stir everything well and let them cook together for another 5 minutes so that the veggies soften just a bit.
3. Bring It to a Boil:
Now it’s time to pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil and watch it come together!
4. Simmer Away:
Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. This is when all those delicious flavors will blend, and your veggies will become tender.
5. Season to Perfection:
Take a moment to taste your soup! Season it with salt, black pepper, and feel free to add the optional chili powder or paprika if you want a bit of heat. Adjust to your liking!
6. The Fresh Touch:
Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for that pop of flavor and freshness!
7. Add a Citrus Twist:
If you like, squeeze a little lemon juice over your soup when serving for a tangy kick that brightens up the taste. Yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy your light, healthy meal that’s full of nutrients and low in calories!
This simple and wholesome soup is often called “Negative Calorie” because it’s mostly water and fibrous vegetables that require energy to digest, making it feel like you burn more calories eating it than it contains. Perfect for a healthy diet!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables for This Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables! Just make sure to thaw them first to ensure even cooking. You might want to skip sautéing the onions and garlic step if using frozen, as the veggies will already be softer.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you enjoy heat, add more chili powder, paprika, or even some diced jalapeños when cooking. You can also serve it with a splash of hot sauce on top for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! This soup is already vegan if you use vegetable broth and omit the olive oil. Alternatively, swap the oil with a splash of water or vegetable broth for sautéing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. Enjoy it again using some fresh herbs to revive the flavors!
