Hall's Kitchen Soup Review | Toronto Teacher Mom

Hall's Kitchen Soup Review

Friday, March 12, 2010

If there's one thing I have learned since I married my husband, it would be how important it is to be weary of what I put in my mouth. I was never much of a vegetable lover and could hardly resist sweet foods (nor can I even till this day!) Yet, I started to appreciate reading ingredient labels on the products I bought and questioning the amount of sugars, salts and fats as well as the presence of preservatives and other artificial additives when I was in university and participated more in grocery shopping. It wasn't until I was in my early twenties that I enjoyed my first ever bowl of Caesar salad! It took a creamy, parmesany salad at Red Lobster to re-evaluate my distaste for anything green but I don't regret it. Now, I buy organic salads, my favourite leaf being spinach. Yes. I said spinach. Had you asked me to try spinach back in the day when Popeye was still on the air, I would have let out a hearty pirate laugh. Now, a simple spinach salad topped with a mixture of oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and maybe some mustard, along with goat cheese and pepitas... it's just so mmm, mmm, good!

When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband encouraged me to try a vegan multi-vitamin. I never really knew the difference between vegan and vegetarian, but by looking at the ingredients and by smelling the array of vegetable aromas inside the bottle, I knew it was the healthiest option. I remember reading it was also more easily absorbed into the body. It makes sense, doesn't it? Give your body only what it needs. It doesn't need chemical derivatives of the real thing. It needs the real thing.

Now, let's get one thing clear here. I'm not a vegetarian by any means. But I can appreciate and actually admire those who are. There are so many health benefits that cannot be denied. And having kids makes it all that more important to promote a love of natural and whole foods. I try to ensure that my kids have fruit or vegetables at every meal but it isn't always possible.


Also, let me point out that I'm probably the worst possible cook with kids you'll ever find. That's why it's great to learn about new products that are healthy and easy to prepare, such as Hall's Kitchens soups. I was very fortunate to be able to sample two of their varieties and ever so thrilled to learn that all of their soups are vegan and free of gluten, dairy and yeast. And listen to this: Chef Catherine Hall makes every effort to seek out seasonal, locally-grown produce. You gotta love going local! She also understands that there are people like me who enjoy a little meat or fish in their diet. You can add rice noodles, shrimp or chicken to soups like Bangkok Curry Coconut & Lime or use it as a sauce for mussels.

I actually got to try the Bangkok Curry Coconut & Lime soup, and though I'm not a huge fan of curry, it made me feel good knowing the following:
  • Made with all natural, fresh ingredients 
  • No additives or preservatives 
  • GMO free and trans fat free   
  • Made without gluten, yeast or dairy 
  • Very high in vitamin A and vitamin K 
  • Good source of vitamin E
It's a great soup for sneaking in foods that I would otherwise avoid, such as celery, leeks and bok choy. I put it to the test with my two sisters-in-law who are both vegetarian and they enjoyed this eclectic sample of Thai cuisine, noting the blend of spicy curry, sweet coconut and tart lime juice.

I also received a bottle of Tijuana Black Bean and Chipotle soup. I knew I was going to enjoy this one mainly because I love tomatoes, garlic, cumin and a touch of chipotle pepper. I'm not a huge fan of beans (suprise!) but I could easily devour a bowl of this soup. I didn't have to read all of these important points to know this soup was healthy for you.
  • Made with all natural, fresh ingredients  
  • No additives or preservatives  
  • GMO free and trans fat free    
  • Made without gluten, yeast or dairy 
  • Very high source of fibre   
  • A good source of iron
Like it says on their website, this soup is like a meal in itself. While I warmed it up on the stove top, the wonderful aromas that filled the air were reminiscent of the authentic Mexican cuisine we enjoyed on our family vacation down south. Ah, the memories!

In addition to their line of soups, Hall's Kitchen also offers stews and delicious side dishes such as Scallop Potato and a Roast Vegetable Medley during fall and winter, or Fusili Pesto Salad and Sugar Snap Peas with Red Pepper & Cashews in the spring and summertime. I know their products are sold at The Big Carrot here in Toronto but if you'd like to find a store near you, just visit their website at www.hallskitchen.ca. Bon appétit!

* Disclaimer *
I was sent two bottles of soup for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way. 
The thoughts and views expressed in this review are strictly my own honest opinions.

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