Winter Hosting Made Easy: Right Foods Soups as Quick Sides and Starters
Winter is here, which usually means big meals, packed schedules, and not enough time to get everything done. If meal prep is stressing you out, don’t worry— Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods soups can help. They’re not just quick and easy but also made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, so you can focus less on the kitchen chaos and more on enjoying the gathering. Whether you use them as starters or mix them into recipes, these soups can help you put together some pretty great dishes without overcomplicating things.
Starters That Get the Meal Going
Soup is always a safe bet for kicking off a meal, especially during the colder months. Right Foods soups are ready in minutes and full of flavor, making them perfect for quick appetizers that feel cozy and satisfying.
- Lentil Soup with Lemon-Tahini drizzle
- French Lentil Soup with Garlic Bread
Pair French Lentil Soup with some toasted garlic bread for a simple starter. Slice up a baguette (you can use whole grain sourdough or your bread of choice), brush it with olive oil, sprinkle on some garlic powder, and bake until crispy. You can serve the bread on the side or even float a piece on top of the soup for an extra touch.
- Black Bean Soup with Avocado and Lime
If you’re looking for something with bold flavors, go for Black Bean Soup. Heat it up and serve with diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. It’s easy to throw together and looks great in a bowl.
Sides Made Simple
Soups don’t have to stay in bowls—they’re great for adding flavor and richness to your side dishes. These ideas use Right Foods soups to take your classic sides up a notch.
- Split Pea Green Bean Casserole
- Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentil Vegetable Soup
- Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Make the Soups Work Harder
If you’re short on time, soups can also step in as the base for recipes, saving you from making sauces or broths from scratch.
- Split Pea Pot Pie
Turn Split Pea Soup into a pot pie filling by mixing it with sautéed onions, carrots, and celery. Pour it into a pie dish or ramekins and top with store-bought puff pastry. Bake until the crust is golden, and you’ve got an easy, cozy dish that feels homemade.
- Savory Lentil Bread Pudding
Take day-old whole grain sourdough bread (or your bread of choice) and turn it into a savory bread pudding with Lentil Soup. Combine the soup with the bread, some sautéed veggies, and a bit of broth to keep things moist. Bake it all together, and you’ve got a unique side that’s perfect for soaking up gravy or pairing with roasted veggies.
- French Lentil and Wild Rice Stuffing
Add French Lentil Soup to your stuffing mix for extra flavor and texture. Combine it with cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts, then bake. The lentils add a nice bite, and the cranberries give it just a little sweetness.
Why Right Foods Soups Work
The last thing you need is another complicated recipe. That’s why Right Foods soups are so handy. They’re quick to prepare, made with real, organic ingredients, and packed with flavor, so you can use them as is or turn them into something totally new.
Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful. These soups help you cut down on prep time and still serve up something that tastes great. Whether you’re serving them as simple starters or working them into creative sides, these soups make meal prep a lot more manageable—and delicious.
Give these ideas a try, or experiment with your own creations. Either way, you’ll be one step closer to a winter meal that everyone will remember.
