It’s a new year and time to press the reset button! I believe that we’re all more than ready to begin 2021 with a clean slate and hope for a better tomorrow. The past year has been challenging for all of us (good riddance 2020!), and nourishing ourselves through the difficult times is absolutely critical.

Positive thinking has never been more powerful than over these many months; it’s been the fuel for getting us through. Self-nourishment has also been a saving grace. Eating well, of course, including lots of fruits and vegetables, but also learning a new skill, accomplishing a goal, or creating a delicious recipe.

And that brings me to something that will surely lift your spirits. At the least, it will have your taste buds doing a jig.

I’ve often read about the healing power of cooking, and baking. And since I spend a good amount of time in the kitchen, especially over the past year, I can personally attest to that. One of my all-time favorites is a variation on a beloved classic, onion soup. Anytime you have a hankering for a delicious, satisfying and good-for-you treat, try this! Yellow onions are high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber; this recipe is also lower in salt and fat than usual, but the classic taste remains.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup natural buttery spread (such as Earth Balance)
2 large yellow onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
11/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
(organic preferred)
1 1/2 cups beef broth (organic preferred)
1/2 cup V8 juice
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy or gluten-free tamari sauce
1/4 cup port wine
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Heat the olive oil and butter alternative in a large saucepot over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the onions; stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the crushed garlic; cook for 2 more minutes. Add the chicken and beef broths and soy sauce. Stir thoroughly. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium; stir in the V8 juice, port wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts: (Per Serving) Calories: 193, Carbohydrates: 18 grams, Fiber: 3.2 grams

Janet Zappala is the author of My Italian Kitchen Homestyle Recipes Made Lighter & Healthier available on www.Amazon.com. She’s also a certified nutritional consultant, an Emmy award-winning news anchor and reporter, and the creator and host of Your Health Matters. Find her on Facebook @JanetZappalaYourHealthMatters.