Holiday Leftovers - Healthy Meals: Nutritious Soup and Chili Recipes

Not sure what to do with all of those holiday leftovers? Here are three healthy meal solutions that are simple, satisfying and nutritious. Nutrition facts are included for each recipe.

Sweet Potato, Leek and Ham Soup Recipe (serves 4)

1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 large leek (or onion), diced
Olive oil cooking spray
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
8 oz chicken or pork broth, fat-free, low sodium
2 cups water
5 oz can evaporated milk, fat-free
½ tsp black pepper

On medium heat, coat large Dutch oven or soup pot with cooking spray. Add ham and cook until browned (about 4 minutes), stir frequently.

Remove ham and set aside.

Add leek to the pot and coat with cooking spray again. Cook, covered until tender (about 5 minutes), stir occasionally.

Add sweet potatoes, broth, water, and evaporated milk. Bring to boil. Mix constantly.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until sweet potatoes are very tender (about 15 minutes).

In a blender, puree ½ of soup mix until smooth. **Remove center piece of lid and place towel over opening to release steam and avoid a mess.** Pour into large bowl.

Repeat blender process with remaining soup mix.

Return soup and ham to the pot. Serve!

Nutrition Facts: 193 calories, 1 gram fat, 26 milligrams cholesterol, 29 grams carbohydrates, 625 milligrams sodium, 15 grams protein, 3.6 grams fiber.

Turkey-Lentil SoupRecipe (serves 8)

2 tsp canola or olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
4 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini mushrooms recommended)
1 tbsp curry powder
1 cup green lentils, picked through and rinsed
32 oz chicken or turkey broth, fat-free, low sodium
14.5 oz petite tomatoes, diced
1 ½ cups cooked 'white' turkey, chopped

On medium heat, heat oil in soup pot. Add onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms and sauté.

Sprinkle curry powder and cook another minute.

Add lentils, broth, tomatoes and bring to boil.

Cover and simmer until lentils are tender (about 25 minutes).

Add turkey, simmer 3 minutes. Serve!

Nutrition Facts: 198 calories, 3 gram fat, 18 milligrams cholesterol, 25 grams carbohydrates, 228 milligrams sodium, 18 grams protein, 10 grams fiber.

White Turkey Chili Recipe (serves 8)

1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup onion, diced
1 large celery stalk, diced
4 cups cooked 'white' turkey, chopped
31 oz Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
4 oz green chilies, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin

On medium heat, add oil, onions and celery to skillet. Cook and stir constantly 3 minutes.

In soup pot, add all ingredients and stir.

Cover and cook over medium heat until heated through (about 15 minutes). Serve!

Nutrition Facts: 332 calories, 5 gram fat, 51 milligrams cholesterol, 40 grams carbohydrates, 182 milligrams sodium, 33 grams protein, 7.5 grams fiber.