Meg Olenick
Apr 09, 2014
Cooking after work is HARD. You’re tired. You’re hungry. And it’s just so easy to swing by your favorite Thai place and grab a to-go container of pad see ew on the way home. But come on. Your bod deserves better. With these 15 soup recipes. You can give yourself a good homemade meal every evening. Just dust off that blender, chop those veggies and hit liquify. Soup’s on and you’ll be slurping up the goods momentarily with these 15 super smooth recipes.
1. Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup: In only 17 minutes you can have dinner prepared and only have two dishes to clean afterwards. Booyah! (via Sarcastic Cooking)
2. Thai Pumpkin Soup: The color of this soup is fabulous. And a bowlful of it is only packing 110 calories. Double score! (via Nutritionist in the Kitchen)
3. Velvety Spinach Soup: Forget your green smoothie — it’s green soup time! You’re going to get a hearty serving of vegetables in just one cup. (via Blendtec)
4. Yellow Tomato Soup: We are all used to the classic red tomato soup. Keep your dining companions guessing by using yellow tomatoes instead. (via Niner Online)
5. Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup: The cucumber in this soup is going to give it a refreshing taste, while the avocado creates a creamy texture. (via Food52)
6. Butternut Bisque: Eat this soup as an appetizer or serve it as the main dish. Can’t finish every last drop? Toss it in the freezer and save it for another occasion. (via Martha Stewart)
7. Hearty Vegetable Chowder: When grilling season rolls around, you can spice up this recipe. Just add grilled instead of frozen corn. (via Blendtec)
8. Curried Carrot Coconut Soup: This soup is to die for… and what a way to go. (via Season with Spice)
9. Classic Tomato Soup: You know what you should do if you make this classic tomato soup? You should totally eat it with grown-up grilled cheese. (via NY Times)
10. Smoky Lentil Soup: Toss a little sausage or shrimp in with this soup, and what you have is a full on hearty meal. (via Williams Sonoma)
11. Raw Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup: Because this soup is raw, you’re not losing any of the valuable nutrients through cooking. (via Green Thickies)
12. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner. Whip this up for the fiesta. (via Thrifty Veggie Mama)
13. Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Vegetables are always better when you add cheese. Don’t deny it. (via Food Network)
14. Cream of Asparagus Soup: April is peak season for fresh asparagus. You better head to the market now because after everyone reads this recipe they are going to be swooping up every last spear. (via All Recipes)
15. Ginger Butternut Squash Soup: Five ingredients, 30 minutes, 110 calories. It all adds up to success. (via Brit + Co.)
What gets your blender mixing? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Olivia Bria
Mar 29, 2024
22 Easy, Rainy Day Soup Recipes To Make In 30 Minutes Or Less
Magdalena O'Neal
Feb 15, 2024
It's raining and you forgot all of your umbrella. And your rain boots. And your rain jacket. (Hey, we've all been there). This evening you're going to need something warm and incredibly simple that you can whip up in less than half an hour so that you can get cozier faster than you can blink. Well, maybe not that fast.
The point is, we know the feeling so we've come up with amazing quick and easy soup recipesor a tasty dinner. From creamy chickendumpling to a light, lemony vegetable, the * soups below will comfort you from the inside out on the most blustery of days.
Image via Brit + Co
Lemony Greens Soup
Plenty of lemon juice and fresh herbs take this simple, vegetable-forward soup to the next level.
Image via Brit + Co
Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup
If you’re looking for a soul-soothing recipe that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right place.
Image via Brit + Co
Chickpea and Lentil Soup
You can serve this immediately or let it simmer while you do other chores.
Image via Brit + Co
3-Ingredient Tortilla Soup
There is nothing better than one-pot dinners. We're always a fan of having just a couple of dishes to wash after we've fallen into a warm soup coma.
Image via Brit + Co
Roasted Tomato Soup
Way tastier than the canned stuff and almost as quick, this recipe is a twist on the classic tomato soup with roasted tomatoes and a grilled cheese on the side.
Image via Brit + Co
Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
Even if you’re the slowest chopper in the world, you can have this soup on the table in under 30 and feel pretty good about how healthy it is.
Image via Brit + Co
Chickpea Stew with Pesto
This weeknight stew will help you eat your vegetables.
Image via Brit + Co
Vegan Sriracha Chili
Yes, you can have a totally flavorful chili with one pot, and yes it will warm your soul.
Image via Brit + Co
Homemade Ramen Cup
This homemade version is the adult version of our dorm room favorite. Make it when you need something to mindlessly graze on while you come down from the day.
Image via Brit + Co
Chickpea and Lime Soup
Adding crispy, spiced chickpeas as a soup topper is any easy way to “beef” up this quick, simple, and delicious soup.
Image via Brit + Co
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Instead of waiting 40 minutes to bake a potato, whip up a bowl of this cheesy soup in half the time via your Instant Pot. Garnish it with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, and whatever else your heart desires.
Image via Brit + Co
Easy Blender Pea Soup
If you're starting to feel guilty about those winter month calories, try this healthy pea soup. We definitely won't judge if you end up adding some garlic bread to the meal.
Image via Brit + Co
Spring Onion Soup
Get your greens and warm up at the same time with this creamy dish. It can be eaten warm or cold, which makes it the perfect recipe for unexpected spring weather.
Image via Culinary Hill
White Bean and Kale Soup
With just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, you can whip up this healthy, warming soup in no time.
Image via Half Baked Harvest
30-Minute Creamy Chicken and Parmesan-Sage Dumplings
Parmesan and sage take the dumplings in this easy chicken soup to a whole other level.
Image via Salt and Lavender
Easy Black Bean Soup
Made with inexpensive ingredients like canned black beans, tomatoes, and green chiles, this soup is as easy as chopping one onion and two garlic gloves and tossing everything in a pot.
Image via Half Baked Harvest
30-Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen
Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, peanut butter, chicken, mushrooms, and bell peppers unite to create the most delicious base for this ramen soup.
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Easy Taco Soup
Taco Tuesdays just got cozier with this easy taco soup recipe. All it takes is 28 minutes to cook this yummy blend of wholesome ingredients for a meal that'll hit the spot every time you cook it in your Instant Pot.
Image via The Edgy Veg
Easy Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
This easy crock pot soup recipe is for all my lasagna and baked ziti lovers. It's hearty and filled with flavors that'll make your taste buds tingle with excitement.
Image via Clean Cuisine
Sweet Potato Curry
For a different burst of flavor, cook this flavorful sweet potato curry soup. It has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the turmeric found in it so you'll get a tasty meal that's beneficial to your body.
Image via Give Recipe
Old-Fashioned Cabbage Soup
Just in time for fall, Give Recipe's take on the old-fashioned cabbage soup recipe is one worth making tonight. It's filled with Mediterranean flavors you won't be able to resist!
Image via Vikalinka
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Looking for something that has a little kick to it? Try making this stuffed pepper soup!
Which easy soup recipe will you try tonight? Share with us @BritandCo!
This article has been updated.
Lead image via Vikalinka.
comfort food recipeshomemadesoup recipesrainy dayComfort Food Recipes
Chloe Williams
Mar 29, 2024
I will never say no to watching an episode of Friends. The jokes make me laugh out loud every single time, the outfits changed fashion and beauty in the real world (hello The Rachel!), and there's nothing more iconic than Monica's purple apartment. The cast of Friends embody their roles so well, and thanks to the hilarious moments written into the show, and the fact the series ran for 10 whole seasons, their IRL friendship totally comes through onscreen.
If you've finished your own rewatch for the thousandth time (of both the OG series and the Friends reunion), but still want to see Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc, then here are some other movies and TV shows featuring the cast of Friends to add to your watchlist!
Jennifer Anistonas Rachel Green
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
Friends truly launched Jennifer Aniston into A-lister status and the actress has been in a number of movies and TV shows since playing Rachel Green (a role that earned her five Primetime Emmy nominations, and a win for Lead Actress). Jennifer ended up starring in a number of iconic 2000s movies, including Rumor Has It, Marley & Me, He's Just Not That Into You, as well as Just Go with It and both Murder Mystery movies opposite Adam Sandler. She's had two very public marriages, the first with Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005, and the second with Justin Theroux from 2015 to 2018.
Courteney Cox as Monica Geller
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
Before Courteney Cox joined the cast of Friends, she had roles in Family Ties, Seinfeld, and Murder She Wrote. After Friends took off, Courteney landed a leading role in the cult classic Scream franchise and has since appeared in all six original movies (she's also in talks to join Scream 7!). She directed Brandi Carlisle's "Right On Time" music video, and got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023! After a 14-year marriage to David Arquette, Courteney Cox has been in a relationship with Johnny McDaid since 2013.
Lisa Kudrow asPhoebe Buffay
Image via Warner Bros. Television/Getty
Before I watched Friends, I knew Lisa Kudrow from Emma Roberts' standout 2000s movie Hotel For Dogs. Lisa has also starred in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, P.S. I Love You, Emma Stone's Easy A, and Booksmart. She married Michel Stern in 1995, and when she got pregnant with her son Julian in 1998, the pregnancy was written into the show! (Remember when Phoebe serves as her brother's surrogate? Yeah, that's one plot arc I'm pretty sure I'll never forget.) As of 2024, she's an executive producer on the game show 25 Words or Less.
Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
Chandler Bing is tied with Rachel for my favorite Friends character, just like Matthew Perry is my favorite member of the cast of Friends. In between scoring the role of Chandler and waiting for the show to air on television, he worked alongside Gwyneth Paltrow at the Williamstown Theater Festival in 1993. Matthew got Emmy nominations for his work on The West Wing and The Ron Clark Story, and starred in Fools Rush In opposite Salma Hayek and 17 Again.He released his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing in 2022. Matthew Perry passed away in October 2023.
Matt LeBlanc asJoey Tribbiani
Image via NBC/Warner Bros. Television
In addition to Friends, Matt LeBlanc has starred in a number of other movies and TV shows. He was in Charlie's Angels and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, and served as both lead actor and executive producer on Man with a Plan. Even after Friends ended, Matt technically didn't leave the cast of Friends because he got his own spinoff! Joey (which also starred Jennifer Coolidge) aired from 2004-2006 and follows Joey Tribbiani as he tries to make it as an actor in LA.
David Schwimmer as Ross Geller
Image via Warner Bros. Television
Before booking Friends, David Schwimmer had roles on Blossom and The Wonder Years. Just like the rest of the cast of Friends, David Schwimmer took some other roles throughout the show's 10-year run. He starred in Band of Brothers, all three Madagascar movies (icon behavior!), and played Robert Kardashian in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. David directed 10 episodes of Friends and two of Joey! He has one child with his ex-wife Zoë Buckman.
Are the Friends cast Friends now?
Image via Warner Bros. Television/Getty Images
Yes, the cast of Friends are still friends today! They often post about each other on social media, and on Courteney Cox's birthday, Jennifer Aniston took the time to point out her friend's best qualities. “I’d like to take a moment and wish my dearest CC the happiest of birthdays,” Jennifer says on Instagram. “If you’ve been lucky enough to know her, you know how incredible she is.”
"[Friends] changed my life in every way," Matthew Perry told People in 2021. "I got the show when I was a 24-year-old man; the show ended when I was 34. It formed my life. And it was the time of my life."
What happened to Joey from Friends?
Image via Carlo Allegri/Getty Images
After the events of the Friends finale, Joey took off to LA to pursue acting in his own spinoff Joey! He moves in with his sister Gina and his nephew Michael. And in true Joey fashion, he soon falls for his superintendent Alexis. The show aired on NBC from 2004 to 2006.
Which project from the cast of Friends is your favorite? Check out Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to see what your favorite Stars Hollow residents have been up to, too!
Lead image via Warner Bros. Television
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Cozy Up With A Bowl Of Homemade Tomato Soup
Sara Cagle
Jan 19, 2024
There are few combinations cozier (or more nostalgic) than tomato soup, grilled cheese, and your favorite movie. We’re the last ones to hate on the tangy canned tomato soup from our childhoods, but there’s something special about going the extra mile to make it from scratch. In this easy recipe, juicy tomatoes, plus aromatic onions and garlic, become extra tender and flavorful when roasted in the oven in one big enameled cast-iron pot (make sure yours is oven-safe).
To avoid dirtying more dishes, place that same pot over the stovetop with broth, then puree it with a hand blender, and finish with a touch of cream and basil. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich, a buttery baguette, or something equally delicious and carby. Whip up a batch the next time you need a comfy evening in, and you’ll have enough soup for you and a friend for at least a couple girls’ nights.
One-Pot Roasted Tomato Soup
(Serves 5)
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 6 whole cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste (you probably need more than you think)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- fresh basil, for serving
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Add tomatoes and juices to a large, oven-safe pot, and crush with a wooden spoon. Add onion, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Roast tomato mixture, stirring halfway, until garlic is soft (about 30 minutes).
- Break up garlic and tomatoes further.
- Place pot on the stove over medium heat, add broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Using an immersion blender (or transferring the soup to a blender in batches), puree the tomato mixture until smooth, then stir in cream.
- Divide among bowls, top with basil, and serve.
Craving more comfort food? Follow us on Pinterest!
(Photos and recipe via Sara Cagle / Brit + Co)
comfort food recipesdiysoup recipesComfort Food Recipes
Kayla Walden
Mar 29, 2024
Looking tired from lack of sleep, insomnia, or endless scrolling til 2am? Me too! Which is why I've got some of our best picks for under-eye patches that'll make you look like a sleeping beauty who gets at LEAST 14 hours like our faveDakota Johnsonrequires. While we all wish we could sleep for 12 hours, it's not always the case. So whether your skin is feeling dry and tired from the winter months or you naturally have dark circles like I do, don't worry, we have it all!
As we list these we want to point out some target ingredients for more specific symptoms:
- If your skin is dry and dehydrated keep an eye out for Hyaluronic Acid.
- If you're experiencing fine lines then make sure to find masks with Niacinimide in them.
- If your eyes are puffy from lack of sleep then try Vitamin C or Caffeine in your skincare.
So now that you know what to look for, here are the under-eye patch superheroes for getting the well-slept look that I have personally tried and tested! Say bye-bye to your under eye bags after these glowing and show-stopping recommendations!
Are under eye patches effective?
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva / PEXELS
Under eye patches can be extremely effective when they have great ingredients. Some key things you want to look out for are: Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, hydrating oils like rosehip or jojoba, and Vitamin C. Any of these ingredients will be really beneficial to hydrating and soothing your under eyes — which is why they can also be extremely effective when cool! So if you leave your under eye patches in the fridge overnight, then they can help to de-puff any bags you may have after a sleepless night and help circulate blood flow to get your color back.
How long should I keep under eye patches on?
Photo by Ron Lach / PEXELS
The recommended time can be anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on the ingredients, so we recommend keeping your under eye patches on for no longer than 20 minutes. This is important to bear in mind, especially if your patches have stronger, more potent ingredients like collagen or caffeine. So put them on and then in 5-20 minutes you can take them off to revel a brighter, less puffy under eye area!
Shop Our Favorite Under Eye Patches
Dieux Eye Masks
These reusable, silicone eye masks are probably the most popular eye masks I've heard about in recent years. Since they're reusable they help to justify the price a bit. These eye masks have niacinimide which is going to be perfect if you're trying to combat any fine lines or hydrate your underage area. Since they're silicone, they're also super helpful in holding serums in place hence their re-usable nature. These are a 10/10 on all counts!
HydroPeptide Collagel Line Lifting Mask
This mask is all about moisture!! So if you have dry or dehydrated under-eyes then look no further! With caviar extract and Vitamin E, you're looking at a mask that will lock in moisture and soothe your under-eye after a long night. This one is also highly rated, with an almost perfect 5-star-only rating! Definitely one to keep an *eye* out for!
Tatcha Luminous Silk Deep Hydration Mask
This one is a full face mask, but I had to link it because it'sSO insanely plumping. This optionis a bitexpensive, but I'm not kidding — this mask is sorcery. The way it plumps your face makes your skin look like you've been asleep for 3 years and are the mostwell-rested person in the world...even when you're definitelynot. It's said to boost your moisture and hydration levels by 200%! This is a holy grail and great to use every once in a while when you need something a little extra.
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Eye Mask
Talk about 24K magic! These are also super popular. I've been using them for years because I genuinely noticed a difference in my underage brightness when I do. These might be my favorite because they hydrate, de-puff, AND brighten all at the same time. They really do work wonders on your skin. The reason they have 24k gold is because Cleopatra was said to have used it in her skincare to help with aging. Sign me up! This product also contains Niacinimide which will help with keeping the underage elastin strong.
Patchology Rejuvenating Eye Gels
This 30 piece set of eye gels are sure to take those puffy under eyes and give them the look of a full night's sleep. With caffeine AND collagen in them, they are sure to brighten, depuff, and hydrate your under eyes for weeks to come since they have 30 patches!
Tag us on Instagram with your thoughts and explore our Beauty page for the latest makeup and skincare trends.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
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What Is A Doula, And Should I Get One Before Giving Birth?
Jasmine Williams
Mar 29, 2024
If you've ever asked your immediate circle, "What is a doula?" and have gotten mixed responses, we're here to make sure you have a full understanding of what to expect should you choose to invest in one during your motherhood journey. There are many maternal facets to consider — like breastfeeding — but we don't want you to ever feel like you have to figure everything out by yourself. Truthfully, moms deserve as much support as possible because there's more to giving birth — and raising a child — than cute maternity clothes and sweet Instagram pictures.
I do love both, but I know that having a strong support system makes a world of difference for moms, so I did a bit of digging to help answer the "What is a doula" question. Thanks to Elevance Health, a top-rated health insurer, I connected with their National Medical Director Dr. Tiffany Inglis, MD, and Doula Support Pillar Leader Sharon Lonix of The Doula Network, to talk about the amazing work doulas do to help moms have better birthing experiences.
So, what is a doula?
Image via Alex Green/Pexels
Dr. Inglis said, "A doula assists in providing education, emotional, and physical support before, during, and after childbirth. They can also offer pain management techniques during labor." However, she wants to be clear that doulas are not medical professionals who can give you medical advice.
Lonix said, "A doula's job is to act as a barrier between moms and their providers. We're actually trying to develop relationships with them so we're considered a part of a mom's care team team instead of being listed as visitors." She said The Doula Network has professional referrals for the provider so everyone is able to be on the same page should mom need additional resources to navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
Image via Büşranur Aydın/Pexels
You can easily come across people who've shared their experiences with having a doula present during delivery, but it doesn't always mean you understand how one would fit into your own life. There could be several reasons why this is true for you, but Dr. Inglis explained that the medical industry contributes to that. She said, "We've been focused on physical, social, and behavioral health [in the medial industry]. We haven't always done a great job about diving into other areas of maternal health."
One of the ways Lonix helps moms who have doubts or concerns about working with a doula is to talk to them in person. She said, "We meet a lot of people who know what a doula is but have apprehension about it. The first thing I say to a mom is, 'Well, let’s meet.' A lot of doubt can be eliminated when they see you and feel the care we have for them."
According to a report by Elevance Health, moms who work with a doula have a lower prevalence of c-sections, higher chance of delivering vagin*lly after receiving a c-section (VBAC), and are shown to have a better postpartum experience.
How can moms find reputable doulas in their area?
Photo by Polina Zimmerman/Pexels
It goes without saying that finding a reputable doula isn't always a stress-free or inexpensive task. In fact, Dr. Inglis said there's a reason for this. "Most doulas have never worked with an insurance company before. They’re not always working with the doctors either," she said. Elevance Health shared that this means only 6% of women in the U.S. receive doula care while another 40% are still unaware that doula care is beneficial. Sadly, this is because only 13 states reimburse for doula services.
However, Dr. Inglis said they are working hard to close the gap. "What we’ve done is build a lot more tools to help push the conversation forward. We try to put more information at people’s fingertips — including video and written content." This education looks like helping moms build a checklist of how to talk to their healthcare providers, how to look for a reputable doula in their areas, and how to see if they're eligible to work with one. "We're trying to empower people to feel like they're allowed to question their providers and ask for the support they want," stressed Dr. Inglis.
How does a doula help a mom and her partner prepare for labor?
Image via Sofyan Sasono Agung/Pexels
Everyone's labor experience differs from the next person, or even their own prior births if they have more than one child. Lonix said, "It’s a lot of prep work beforehand and some clients are apprehensive if they’ve never done it before." Doulas, she said, are also there to help mom find her voice. " I tell my clients all the time, 'You have the right to tell your provider when you don't like or want something. You can even tell them if you need more clarity about something they've explained," continued Lonix.
When it comes to actual labor, doulas can help moms and their partners understand every aspect of it. "Doulas are there to say, 'Hey, it's okay. Breath' or we can help with body care,'" said Lonix. Something that she personally does is try to make sure a mom's partner will be with her during her prenatal appointments. "I let them know they can ask if it something is normal or not. Dads always take me up on that. During one mom's labor, I actually had to tell one dad 'Let’s take a walk and get some water' because he was nervous about what was going on. At the same time, we [The Doula Network] always try to remind our doulas it's about the clients when they're in the room," she said.
Like Dr. Inglis mentioned earlier, a doula's support can extend to postpartum care. Lonix said, "We can help make sure a client has support after she's given birth. Maybe mom needs a mental health referral. Whatever it is, we try to make sure she has access to it."
The Final Takeaway From Working With a Doula
Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels
Despite the barriers that don't always lead to a clear path between doulas and their clients, Dr. Inglis said she's extremely proud of the work The Doula Network is doing. Aside from that, she wants to highlight something not every mom is aware of. She said, "A lot of moms don't know they can receive benefits that cover everything from transportation to diapers! We're really working hard to create a line of sight for them so people can see that help is available if they need it."
The next time someone you know asks, "What is a doula," share this article with them!
Header image via Sofyan Sasono Agung/Pexels
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