A good soup should taste comforting, full, and well seasoned, even when it is low in salt. The trick is not to “replace” salt with one magic ingredient. The trick is to build flavor in layers, using heat, texture, acid, herbs, spices, and naturally savory foods.

Soup can be one of the easiest meals to make healthier, but it can also hide a lot of sodium. Canned broth, bouillon cubes, cured meats, salty seasoning blends, and packaged add-ins can turn a simple bowl into something that works against a heart-smart eating plan.

A good soup can do a lot with a little. A handful of beans, a few cups of vegetables, good olive oil, herbs, and a pot of broth can turn into a meal that feels generous, tastes fresh, and supports a heart-smart way of eating.