As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to lift your spirits and fill your belly. From classic beef and barley to creamy chicken and wild rice, we’ve got 20 mouthwatering soup recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying or light and refreshing, there’s something on this list for everyone.
In this article, we’ll be diving into some of our most beloved soup recipes, each one packed with flavor and sure to hit the spot on a chilly day. From comforting classics like lentil and vegetable soup, to more adventurous options like Thai coconut curry, we’ve got you covered. So grab your spoon and let’s get started!
Classic Beef and Barley Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this hearty soup, featuring tender beef, nutritious barley, and a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the barley, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This hearty soup combines the savory flavors of chicken, wild rice, and vegetables with a rich and creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed wild rice (such as brown, white, and red)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the wild rice, chicken broth, and peas and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
This recipe makes a deliciously comforting soup that’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup
Warm up with this spicy twist on a classic soup! This hearty, comforting recipe combines juicy sausage, tender kale, and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups curly kale leaves, stems removed and discarded
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add sausage; cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add broth, kale, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until kale is tender.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
This hearty soup combines the rich flavor of ham with the comfort of potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound diced cooked ham
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the diced ham, potatoes, onion, and garlic to a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and milk. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle thyme over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 6-8 hours
– High: 3-4 hours
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This creamy and flavorful soup is a perfect blend of summer’s sweetness and the comfort of grilled cheese croutons. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grill bread slices until golden brown. Top each slice with shredded cheese and grill until melted and crispy.
5. Ladle soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
White Bean and Bacon Soup
A creamy and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this White Bean and Bacon Soup is made with cannellini beans, crispy bacon, and aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the soaked and drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
6. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vegetable Minestrone Soup
This classic Italian-inspired soup is a perfect blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, and kidney beans.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Soup
A creamy and aromatic soup that combines the flavors of coconut, curry, and spices, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in curry paste; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
French Onion Soup with Gruyère Croutons
Experience the rich flavors of France with this classic soup, elevated by crispy Gruyère croutons.
Ingredients:
– 4 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 4 slices baguette, toasted and cubed (for croutons)
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Add salt, pepper, and beef broth to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until soup has reduced slightly (about 10 minutes).
3. Preheat broiler.
4. Place toasted baguette cubes on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese. Broil until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Ladle hot soup into oven-proof bowls and top each bowl with a crouton. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Split Pea and Ham Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful split pea soup recipe, featuring tender chunks of ham and a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup diced cooked ham (such as prosciutto or cooked bacon)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the split peas, chicken broth, ham, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the peas are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave some texture if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Mexican Tortilla Soup
This hearty soup is a twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, featuring crispy tortillas, tender chicken, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add broth, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Cut tortillas into strips and add to pot. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes or until tortillas are crispy.
5. Serve hot, topped with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Broth
Warm up with a classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups water
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken, water, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Remove chicken from pot and let cool. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot; discard solids.
4. Add noodles to broth and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes).
5. Shred cooled chicken and add back to soup.
6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Pumpkin and Sage Soup
A warm and comforting soup that celebrates the flavors of fall, this Pumpkin and Sage Soup is a perfect treat for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and pumpkin to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
3. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped sage leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional sage leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Beef Pho with Rice Noodles
A classic Vietnamese dish, Beef Pho is a flavorful and comforting noodle soup that combines the rich flavors of beef broth, tender beef slices, and soft rice noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef bones (preferably oxtail or brisket)
– 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 8 oz rice noodles
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, or cilantro), for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef bones, beef slices, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, onion, and ginger.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
4. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
5. Assemble Pho by placing cooked noodles into bowls and serving with beef slices and hot broth.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Clam Chowder with Fresh Herbs
This creamy and flavorful clam chowder is elevated by the addition of fresh herbs, adding a bright and refreshing twist to this classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, clam juice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until clams are tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and chives.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup
A hearty and aromatic soup that combines the comforting flavors of Morocco with nutritious chickpeas and lentils.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the chickpeas, lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Warm up with this creamy and comforting broccoli cheddar soup, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let cook for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until soup is heated through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Corn and Potato Chowder
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of corn and potatoes with the savory flavors of onions, garlic, and chicken broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed potatoes ( Russet, Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, frozen corn kernels, chicken broth, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Wild Mushroom Soup
This hearty soup combines the rich flavor of turkey with the earthy tones of wild mushrooms, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, cremini, and shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Add the chicken broth, turkey, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get cozy with these 20 comforting and hearty soup recipes! From classic Beef and Barley to creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, and from spicy Sausage and Kale to rich Vegetable Minestrone, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in creamy Tomato Basil with grilled cheese croutons or warm up with a bowl of French Onion with Gruyère croutons. Explore international flavors like Thai Coconut Curry, Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil, or Beef Pho with Rice Noodles. Whatever your taste buds crave, these recipes are sure to satisfy.
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