Making yourself a priority can be a challenge when you’re busy. Making your food a priority is even more challenging, I get it! However, in order to feel your best you need to eat the best (or close to it). Here are a few of my favorite paleo soup recipes that are quick, simple, and nourishing.

What Makes a Great Soup?

A good soup is rich in flavor and a great soup is rich in flavor and tradition. As a young girl growing up in the Czech Republic, my family had soup with nearly every lunch and dinner. And I mean every lunch and dinner. From school lunches, weddings, to a casual Wednesday night dinner with friends and family there was always a soup. 

Now living in the States, I strive to keep my family’s Czech traditions alive the best way I know how —  through cooking the recipes my family has passed down from generation to generation. And yet, with new generations come new traditions. 

These days my life looks much different from my childhood in Czech. With a family of my own and a business that helps support so many other families, it seems that there is so much more at stake. In order to stay balanced, I find that I am at my best when I eat well. With the help of my instant pot and a meal plan, I am able to keep myself and my family nourished each week. My weekly meal plan varies from month to month, season to season, but one thing remains the same, there is always a soup. Here are my four go-to soups that are gluten-free and super easy to include in your own weekly meal plan!

Borscht Beef Soup

Growing up in Czech you never (and I mean ever), admitted to liking anything Russain, but I distinctly remember my father insisting that we stop at the same tiny, old restaurant right off the road between Prague and Brno on our family road trips in order to get a bowl of this Russian inspired soup. It was his non-negotiable. And, it remains his favorite soup. I continue to make Borscht Soup at home as my mom did. But today, I use my Instant Pot. So say goodbye to the awkward sink vs. large pot dishwashing situation that always happens. 

WARNING: I have to admit grating raw beets is a major workout, so be prepared for sore arms. Also, raw beets tend to stain anything that they come in contact with so wear gloves and rinse off any cutting boards you use with warm water immediately (seriously, you can thank me later). 

This Borcht Beef Soup recipe is super simple, easy, and loaded with all sorts of nutritional benefits. I remember helping my mother making this soup in the late Winter and early Spring when it seemed like the cold season was still lingering around. If you or someone you love is looking for a nourishing recipe while trying to stick to a grain-free diet, give this one a try. 

 

Prep time: 20 min

Cook time: 50 min

Ingredients: 

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5lbs of beef stew meat -  grass-fed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 cups of beef broth (3 liquid pints) + water if you want more liquid
• 3-4 large beets (1.5lbs), 1/2 diced, 1/2 grated
• 3-4 carrots, diced
• 1 sweet potato, diced
• 2.5 cups of thinly sliced red cabbage
• 5 tbsp white wine vinegar
• A pinch of Sea salt
• A handful of fresh dill, chopped

Instructions:

1. Set Instant Pot to Saute and add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub sea salt on the beef, then place it to the Instant Pot. Let brown for about 4-5 min from both sides.

1. Add the diced onion and 6 cups of beef broth. Close the Pot, set to Manual High Pressure for 50min. Add more time if the beef is not tender enough. 

1. While the meat is cooking, prepare the veggies. Carefully grate 3-4 large beats, dice 3-4 carrots, dice 1 potato, and thinly slice 2.5 cups of red cabbage. 

1. When the meat is done, release the pressure manually, remove the meat and put aside too cool. 

1. Add the beets, carrots, sweet potato, cabbage, and some dill to the pot. Feel free to add extra water if you like more liquid in your soup at this point!

1. Set to Manual High Pressure for 6 minutes. While it is cooking, shred or cut the beef.

1. When the veggies are done, release the pressure, stir in the meat.

1. Add the remaining dill and sea salt as needed.

1. Top with sour cream for a traditional Borscht experience and enjoy! 

Sometimes, my family prefers to not have dairy products and so we use a dairy-free topping like almond or coconut-based yogurt or coconut milk to thicken the broth. 

I typically serve this to my family for dinner with roasted veggies and a kale salad topped with some nuts and seeds. If you are needing a quick on-the-go option we’ve even made an Instant Savoy Beef Soup inspired by this recipe! 

Other Paleo Friendly Ideas & Recipes 

Here are a few more soup options to include in your weekly meal plan that are great options for someone with celiac disease or other gluten-free diets needs. 

• Civilized Caveman’s Paleo Chicken Soup. Now, this is not your average-joe chicken soup recipe. This chicken broth is the perfect cold and flu remedy. 
• Bonus tip: If you have leftover roasted chicken, this is a great way to use it. And your kids won’t even know they are eating leftovers!
• Extra bonus tip: Use free-range chicken breast for the highest nutritional value.

 

• The Endless Meal’s Paleo Beef Chili. This bean-less chili recipe will have you rethinking all of your days of bean-filled chilis. 

 

• Paleo Running Momma’s Paleo Mushroom Soup. This recipe is not only simple (one-pot-kind-of-simple) but it’s also a really tasty Whole30 and Vegan option! 

These days life can seem overwhelming at times with work, kids, school, bills, friends, and family to balance — perhaps we can no longer be the hunters-gatherers (this would be so cool and also very challenging). However, this does not mean we have to compromise our health for convenience with processed foods. 

I hope that these delicious and simple recipes will spark inspiration in your meal planning routine. And if you’re short on time and still want a warm and nourishing option give our Instant Soups a try!

-Zora Tabin (Founder, Mom & Healthy Snack Enthusiast)