On a cool and rainy day you may be looking for something warm and soothing to tickle your taste buds. One of these well known comfort foods is soup. Soup is a great food not only because it provides warmth, but it can be made from pretty much anything you have on hand in the kitchen. It is also a great way to use up vegetables and leftover meats.

Soup has been known to be high in sodium, which can be a problem for people whose blood pressure is sensitive to salt and sodium. However, making your own soup can help you control the amount of sodium. When making your soup, try low sodium broth or vegetable stock as well as herbs and spices.

Looking for extra nutrition? Be sure to add plenty of vegetables, beans, and whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat pasta. Adding these nutrients rich foods to soup can be a great way to sneak it in the meal without the family even noticing.

Here are two easy recipes to try tonight.

Black Beans and Corn Chili

3 - 16 ounce cans black beans

2 - 8 ounce cans tomato sauce

2 - 16 ounce jars picante sauce

2 cups frozen corn

1 teaspoon ground cumin

8 ounce package low fat cheddar cheese

Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the beans.
2. In skillet or saucepan, combine beans, tomato sauce, picante sauce, corn and cumin.
3. Bring to boil and reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Grate cheese and serve with chili.

Easy Vegetable Soup

2 teaspoons oil

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon basil

1 cup water

10 3/4 ounce can of chicken broth, low sodium

14 ounce can stewed tomatoes

1 cup frozen or canned corn

1 cup instant brown rice, uncooked

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in large saucepan and cook onion in oil until tender.
2. Add garlic, basil, water, broth and tomatoes with juice.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 7 minutes.
4. Add corn and rice. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
5. Pour into bowls and top with parmesan cheese.