low-calorie • gluten-free

Active 45 min

Total 45 min

Green Eggs & Ham Soup

Would you, could you eat this creamy green soup? How about if we told you it contains no cream—or dairy of any kind—just flavorful pureed veggies topped with a perfectly poached egg and ham? Trust us, whether you eat it in a box or with a fox, in a house or with a mouse, both you and your kids will love this storybook-perfect soup.

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 ounces thick-cut ham or prosciutto, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 4 large eggs

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ham (or prosciutto) and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and onion to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add broth, broccoli, cauliflower, thyme and salt. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the broccoli is very tender, about 6 minutes. Add spinach and parsley. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes. Puree the soup in the pot with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender. (Use caution when blending hot liquids.) Cover to keep warm.

3. Meanwhile, bring water and vinegar to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce to a bare simmer. Gently stir in a circle so the water is swirling around the pan. Break an egg into a small bowl, then submerge the lip of the bowl into the simmering water and gently add the egg. Working quickly, repeat with remaining eggs. Cook for 4 minutes for soft set, 5 minutes for medium set and 8 minutes for hard set.

4. Serve the soup topped with a poached egg, some ham (or prosciutto) and parsley, if desired.

Serves 4: 1½ cups each

Calories 266 | Fat 15g (sat 4g) | Cholesterol 199mg | Carbs 14g | Total sugars 3g (added 0g) | Protein 22g | Fiber 5g | Sodium 671mg | Potassium 818mg.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (208% daily value) | Vitamin A (128% dv) | Folate (55% dv) | Iron (26% dv).