Finding satisfying Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing can often feel like a challenge. You want something that tastes amazing but still aligns with your health goals. Honestly, there is nothing worse than eating a bland meal just because it is supposed to be good for you. That is why this navy bean and sweet potato soup is such a winner. It is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor.
This dish is one of those Clean Eating Recipes that naturally fits into a busy lifestyle. You do not need any fancy tools or hard to find ingredients. It is just simple, wholesome food that nourishes your body. Whether you use a slow cooker or a pot on the stove, the result is a creamy and rich soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it is incredibly budget friendly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this soup in your rotation of Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing. First off, it is incredibly versatile. You can toss everything into a slow cooker before you start your day and come home to a house that smells absolutely wonderful. The preparation is minimal, which is great for beginners who might feel intimidated by complex cooking techniques.
Another reason this dish stands out among Meals For Losing Weight Healthy is its high fiber content. Navy beans and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of fiber. Fiber helps keep you feeling full for longer, which reduces the temptation to snack on less nutritious options later in the night. It is a simple way to create Balanced Meals without counting calories obsessively.
The flavors here are also customizable. If you like a bit of heat, you can add more pepper. If you prefer things mild and savory, the garlic and onion base provides a solid foundation. It is rare to find Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing that are this adaptable to personal taste while remaining so nutrient dense. You will also love that this recipe makes a large batch, meaning you have lunch sorted for the next few days.
Finally, this recipe is entirely plant based, making it a fantastic option for anyone trying to eat more vegetables. The addition of spinach at the end brings a fresh pop of color and extra vitamins. It really is the definition of clean eating without the fuss. You get all the benefits of a detox style meal without feeling deprived or hungry.
Ingredients
To make one of the best Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing, you will need a few simple pantry staples and fresh produce. Here is what you need to gather:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Pinch of kosher or sea salt, adjusted to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 30 ounces canned navy beans, drained and rinsed (you can also use black beans)
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 14 1/2 ounces canned diced tomatoes, no salt added (this is an optional ingredient)
- 4 cups loosely packed baby spinach (you can substitute 2 sliced zucchini)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling at the end)
Each ingredient plays a specific role. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked down. The navy beans provide the protein and bulk that define great Meals For Losing Weight Healthy. Using low sodium broth and no salt added tomatoes allows you to control the sodium levels, which is often a key factor in healthy cooking.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this soup is very straightforward. Whether you use a slow cooker or a stove, the process is simple. Here is how to prepare one of your new favorite Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing.
Step 1: Prep The Vegetables
Start by washing and peeling your produce. Cut the sweet potato into cubes that are about one inch in size. Slice the carrots and dice the celery and onion. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process much smoother. Rinse your canned navy beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and starch.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Take your slow cooker pot and add all the ingredients except for the spinach and the olive oil. This includes the sweet potato, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, spices, beans, broth, and the optional tomatoes if you are using them. Give everything a good stir to mix the spices with the liquid and vegetables.
Step 3: Cook The Soup
Place the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. You are looking for the vegetables, especially the carrots and sweet potatoes, to become completely tender. If you pierce them with a fork, they should slide off easily. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 4: Add Greens and Serve
Once the vegetables are tender, open the lid and toss in the fresh spinach. Stir it gently into the hot soup. It will only take about 5 minutes for the spinach to wilt down. You do not want to overcook it, as it should stay bright green. Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each serving if desired. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
Stovetop Method Option
If you do not have a slow cooker, do not worry. You can still make this easily. Follow the same prep instructions. Add all the ingredients (except spinach and olive oil) to a large pot on the stove. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the veggies are tender. Be sure to stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add the spinach at the very end, remove from heat, cover, and let it wilt before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about making Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing in big batches is the leftovers. This soup stores beautifully. Allow the soup to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. In fact, the flavors often taste even better the next day as they have had more time to sit together.
If you want to freeze this soup, it works great too. Place the cooled soup in freezer safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup looks a little thick after thawing, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up. Having Clean Eating Recipes ready in the freezer is a huge time saver for busy weeks.
Tips
To make this soup even more satisfying, you can thicken the texture without adding any cream or flour. After about 5 hours of slow cooking, remove one cup of the soup (including broth and veggies). Mash this mixture with a fork until it is smooth, then stir it back into the pot. Let it continue cooking for the remaining time. This simple trick gives the broth a velvety texture that feels indulgent while keeping it light.
Do not skip the optional olive oil drizzle at the end. While it might seem counterintuitive when looking for Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing, a little healthy fat helps your body absorb the fat soluble vitamins from the vegetables, like Vitamin A from the sweet potatoes. It supports a healthy digestive system and adds a lovely richness to the final dish. It is all about creating Balanced Meals that work for your body.
If you are following a specific detox plan or the 3 Day Cleanse mentioned in the inspiration, stick to one serving per night. This ensures you are getting the right amount of nutrients without overeating. Also, feel free to swap the navy beans for black beans if that is what you have in your pantry. Both are excellent choices for protein and fiber.
Conclusion
Incorporating more Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing into your life does not have to be boring or difficult. This navy bean and sweet potato soup proves that you can have a meal that is nutritious, filling, and delicious all at the same time. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, it fits perfectly into a routine of Clean Eating Recipes.
By cooking at home, you take control of what goes into your body. You avoid the hidden sodium and preservatives often found in store bought soups. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or just need a warm dinner for the family, this recipe delivers. Give it a try this week and see how easy it is to enjoy Balanced Meals that help you reach your goals.
FAQ
Can I Make This Soup Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free. All the ingredients, including the vegetables, beans, and broth, are typically safe. However, always double check the label on your vegetable broth and canned beans to ensure they were processed in a gluten free facility if you have severe allergies.
Can I Add Meat To This Recipe?
Absolutely. While this is designed as a plant based meal, you can easily add lean protein. Diced chicken breast or turkey sausage would work well. If adding raw chicken, put it in the slow cooker at the beginning with the vegetables so it cooks thoroughly.
What Can I Use Instead Of Spinach?
If you are not a fan of spinach, kale is a great alternative. Since kale is tougher, you should add it about 20 to 30 minutes before serving to allow it enough time to soften. You can also use Swiss chard or even sliced zucchini as mentioned in the ingredients list.
Do I Have To Use Canned Beans?
You can use dried beans if you prefer, but they require different preparation. You must soak dried navy beans overnight and then boil them for at least 10 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. Canned beans are recommended here for convenience and consistent cooking times.
Navy Bean and Sweet Potato Soup
This warm and comforting navy bean and sweet potato soup is a healthy, plant-based dinner recipe perfect for weight management. Packed with fiber and flavor, it’s easy to make in a slow cooker or on the stove for balanced meals.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by washing and peeling your produce. Cut the sweet potato into cubes that are about one inch in size. Slice the carrots and dice the celery and onion. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process much smoother. Rinse your canned navy beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and starch.
- Take your slow cooker pot and add all the ingredients except for the spinach and the olive oil. This includes the sweet potato, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, spices, beans, broth, and the optional tomatoes if you are using them. Give everything a good stir to mix the spices with the liquid and vegetables.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. You are looking for the vegetables, especially the carrots and sweet potatoes, to become completely tender. If you pierce them with a fork, they should slide off easily. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Once the vegetables are tender, open the lid and toss in the fresh spinach. Stir it gently into the hot soup. It will only take about 5 minutes for the spinach to wilt down. You do not want to overcook it, as it should stay bright green. Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each serving if desired. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
- If you do not have a slow cooker, do not worry. You can still make this easily. Follow the same prep instructions. Add all the ingredients (except spinach and olive oil) to a large pot on the stove. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the veggies are tender. Be sure to stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add the spinach at the very end, remove from heat, cover, and let it wilt before serving.
Notes
To thicken the soup without adding cream or flour, remove one cup of the soup after about 5 hours of slow cooking, mash it until smooth, then stir it back into the pot and continue cooking.
Do not skip the optional olive oil drizzle at the end; a little healthy fat helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables and adds richness.
If following a specific detox plan, stick to one serving per night. Feel free to swap navy beans for black beans if that’s what you have in your pantry.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
