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Let’s celebrate! January is National Soup Month, and what better meal to warm up with on a cold winter's day or night? We all have a favorite, whether you're partial to broth or bisque, a hearty bowl of soup is one of the ultimate comfort foods—especially with a crusty piece of bread for dipping. Everyone has that favorite go to recipe to ladle up that delicious goodness. 

You know that saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but what about your dentist? There are many tricks of the trade, such as brushing, flossing and routine check-ups, but eating your vegetables ranks high on the list for good oral health. Luckily vegetables are a soup’s main ingredient! 

Here are a few of Dr. Lunan’s favorite mouth healthy soups:

Black Bean & Salsa Soup:

~~This hearty soup can keep you full for hours. Not only is it quick to prepare, it’s also packed with protein, vitamin C and iron for a healthy mouth and body.~ ~  

Ingredients:  2 15oz cans of black beans, 2 C. chicken broth broth, 1 C. chunky salsa, 1 t. ground cumin, 1 green onion, sour cream and S+P to taste.

Instructions:  Thinly slice the green onion and set aside. Drain and rinse the beans. Pour half of the beans into a blender or food processor and set the other half aside. Blend the beans with the broth, salsa and cumin. Pour blended mix and unblended beans into a saucepan, cook over med. heat for 10 min. to heat through. Serve with sour cream and green onions as toppings.

Broccoli Cheese Soup:

~~This tasty broccoli soup is packed with tooth- and gum-supporting vitamins K and C. With a boost of calcium and flavor from the added cheese, this soup makes a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.~~

Ingredients:  3C. chicken broth, 1 3/4C broccoli florets, 1 ½ C. onion, 3 medium carrots, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2t. salt, 1/4t. pepper, 3/4C. half and half, 4oz. shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley.

Instructions:  Chop the broccoli and carrots, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Pour the broth into a large saucepan and bring to a boil, adding the vegetables and salt and pepper. Reduce heat and cook until broccoli is tender. Remove from heat and blend ingredients with a hand blender or by pouring batches into a blender or food processor. Once fully blended, return to saucepan. Stir in half and half and 2 oz. of cheese. To serve, top with parsley and remaining cheese.

Red Lentil Soup:

~~Fast to cook, red lentils are also packed with heart-healthy fiber and enamel-building magnesium. The combination of almonds, carrots and curry give this hearty soup a delectable flavor.~~

Ingredients:  2 Large carrots, 1 med. sized onion, 2 celery stalks, 16oz. lentils, 3/4C. heavy cream, 2 garlic cloves, ½ blanched almonds, 1T. curry, 2 bouillon cubes, 1 bay leaf, parsley, and salt.

Instructions:  Wash and peel the vegetables. Chop carrots into 2 inch pieces, cut onion into evenly sized quarters and finely dice the celery. Combine lentils, vegetables, almonds, curry, bay leaf, and bouillon cubes in a pot with 7C. of water. Salt to taste. Simmer until lentils are soft –about 40-60 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat, discard bay leaf. Puree using food processor or hand held bleander, then return to stove. Stir in the heavy creamy cream and heat through. Garnish with parsley.

Go ahead and enjoy your favorite mouth healthy soups this month! Why not share your favorite on Dr. Lunan’s Facebook page?  203-598-7920

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