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As winter settles in and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. Whether you’re looking for something hearty to fill you up after a chilly day or a lighter option to cozy up with, soup is the ultimate cold-weather meal. Plus, they’re easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and often taste even better the next day!
Here are five simple and delicious soup ideas to try this winter:
1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
When it comes to comfort food, chicken noodle soup is at the top of the list. It’s a classic for a reason—light, nourishing, and full of flavor. This version is easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The key to a great chicken noodle soup is a rich homemade broth and tender chunks of chicken, complemented by soft noodles and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Egg noodles
- Carrots, celery, onion
- Garlic, thyme, bay leaves
- Chicken broth (or homemade stock)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook chicken in a pot with olive oil until browned, then set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and celery until tender.
- Add broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and shredded chicken. Simmer until noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot!
2. Creamy Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is another classic winter staple, and it’s even better when it’s creamy and homemade. This rich, velvety soup is perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich on a cold day. Using canned tomatoes speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor, and a little cream at the end makes it irresistibly smooth.
Ingredients:
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Onion, garlic
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and broth, bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt, pepper, and basil. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Blend with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning. Serve with a dollop of cream or fresh basil leaves.
3. Butternut Squash Soup
This velvety, naturally sweet soup is a great way to enjoy winter squash. Roasting the butternut squash beforehand brings out its natural sweetness, and blending it with onions, garlic, and a little coconut milk or cream creates a creamy, warming soup that’s both healthy and comforting.
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash
- Onion, garlic, ginger
- Vegetable broth
- Coconut milk or cream
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Peel, seed, and chop the butternut squash into cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes until soft.
- In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add roasted squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth and stir in coconut milk or cream for extra richness.
- Season to taste and serve with a drizzle of coconut cream or a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds.
4. Beef and Barley Soup
If you’re looking for something heartier, this beef and barley soup is a great choice. Tender beef, nutritious barley, and a variety of vegetables create a filling meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. It’s an excellent option for using up leftover roast beef or stew meat.
Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat or leftover roast beef
- Barley
- Carrots, celery, onions
- Garlic, bay leaves, thyme
- Beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown the beef in a large pot with olive oil, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot until softened.
- Add beef broth, barley, bay leaves, thyme, and browned beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 45 minutes to an hour until the barley is tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with a side of crusty bread.
5. Lentil Soup
For a lighter yet filling option, lentil soup is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. It’s a great vegetarian or vegan option, and the earthy flavor of the lentils pairs wonderfully with herbs like cumin and coriander. Add some diced tomatoes and leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Green or brown lentils
- Carrots, celery, onion, garlic
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Spinach or kale
- Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until tender.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with a sprinkle of lemon juice or fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts
Winter is the perfect time to embrace soup season. Not only are these soups easy to prepare, but they also make fantastic leftovers, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can swap in or out ingredients depending on what you have in your pantry or what’s in season.
These five soup ideas are just the beginning—whether you love classic comfort foods like chicken noodle soup or you’re craving something hearty and filling like beef and barley, there’s a soup for every taste this winter. So grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and let the cozy cooking begin!
What’s your go-to winter soup? Share your favorite soup recipes in the comments below!
