This time of year always reminds me of soup. When it is chilly outside, nothing feels better inside than a warm bowl of soup.

A few years ago, it was pointed out to me how much salt goes into canned soup. Frankly, its shocking, and if you are watching your blood pressure, canned soup can be a concern.

Making your own soup is pretty easy, fairly inexpensive, allows you to control the amounts of salt and fat in the soup, and thus can be pretty healthy. PLUS, when you make your own soup, it tastes better than the stuff in a can.

So, check out this recipe for Chorba, Morrocco's version of minestrone.

Low Calorie | Low Carb | Low Cholesterol | Low Sat Fat | High Potassium | Heart Healthy | Healthy Weight

Makes 6 servings, about 2 cups each

ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 1/2 hours

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck) or lamb stew meat (shoulder or leg), trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 cups reduced-sodium beef broth or water
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 small turnips, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, leaves included, thinly sliced
Pinch of saffron threads (see Ingredient Note)
12 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, plus more leaves for garnish
8 sprigs fresh cilantro, plus more leaves for garnish
1 large zucchini, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 ounces angel hair pasta (capellini), broken into small pieces (about 1/2 cup), or orzo, preferably whole-wheat
1-2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

You will find the cooking instructions here: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/moroccan_vegetable_soup.html

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving:
260 calories;
10 g fat (2 g sat, 6 g mono);
32 mg cholesterol;
19 g carbohydrate;
23 g protein;
4 g fiber;
615 mg sodium;
697 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin A (80% daily value),
Vitamin C (35% dv),
Zinc (26% dv),
Potassium (20% dv),
Iron (15% dv).

1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 1/2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat