Some meals are the perfect remedy for a long, tiring day, a bad mood, or even when you’re feeling under the weather. Soup is one such dish that can soothe, comfort, and nourish your body and soul in just about any situation.
Although many believe soup is a cold-weather meal or just a simple appetizer or starter dish, that’s a cap. You can enjoy different varieties of soup all year round, either as a main meal or a tasty snack. From rich and creamy or chunky and spicy to light and brothy or thick and hearty, homemade soups are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
To inspire you to try new soups or to remind you of the classics, here are six delicious soup recipes you need to try for a soulful meal.
1. Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
This is an irresistible soup that everyone in your family will enjoy and crave more. The preparation is simple, and the slow cooker makes it a hassle-free meal.
You need:
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Sweet yellow onion
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Chicken broth
- Corn starch
- Velveeta cheese
- Heavy cream
Add onion, garlic powder, and pepper to the slow cooker, along with chopped broccoli and carrots. Whisk chicken broth and cornstarch in a bowl, then pour over the vegetables. Stir, cover, and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours. Afterward, add heavy cream and cubed Velveeta, stir, and cook for 20 more minutes on HIGH. You can follow this slow cooker broccoli cheese soup to prepare a rich and velvety soup and enjoy its creamy goodness.
2. Classic Tomato Soup
The flavors, the texture, the warmth – you can’t go wrong with a classic tomato soup. It’s perfect for any day and can be paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for a fulfilling meal.
You need:
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- All-purpose flour
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Melt butter in a large pot, then add chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté until tender, then stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually pour canned crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Finally, stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper to taste. This classic tomato soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
3. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Have you got no time to prepare dinner? This creamy chicken and wild soup recipe is the perfect solution. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so delicious.
You need:
- Chicken breasts
- Butter
- Onion
- Dried Thyme
- Carrots
- Celery
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Wild rice blend
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Start by cooking chicken breasts in a pot until fully cooked. Shred the chicken and set aside. Next, melt butter and sauté chopped onion in a large pot and dried thyme until tender. Add diced carrots and celery, then stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly. Boil it, then reduce the heat and add the wild rice blend. Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked. Finally, stir in shredded chicken, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
The sweet, smoky flavor of roasted butternut squash makes this soup an all-time favorite. Prepare it for a hearty dinner or serve as a flavorful appetizer.
You need:
- Butternut squash
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Maple syrup (optional)
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice a butternut squash to remove the seeds and drizzle with olive oil. Next, season the halved butternut squash with salt and pepper and place the cut side on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes or until tender. In a pot, melt butter and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic cloves until soft. Add the roasted squash flesh to a pot with vegetable broth. Once it’s boiled, let it simmer for 15 minutes. Puree the soup using an immersion blender to ensure a smooth consistency. Stir in heavy cream and maple syrup (optional) for added sweetness.
5. Beef Lentil Soup
You might have tried lentil soup before, but this beef version makes it more hearty and filling.
You need:
- Beef chuck roast
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic cloves
- Dried thyme
- Beef broth
- Brown lentils
Heat olive oil in a pot. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic cloves, and dried thyme in the same pot. Cook until vegetables are slightly softened. Add beef broth and let it boil. Return the beef to the pot and simmer for 1 hour or until tender. Stir in brown lentils and let it cook for another 30 minutes. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
6. Chicken Noodle Soup
Whether you’re under the weather or craving classic comfort food, chicken noodle soup is the ultimate go-to dish.
You need:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic cloves
- Chicken broth
- Egg noodles
- Fresh parsley
In a pot, warm olive oil on medium. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden on both sides, then set aside. In the same pot, cook chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic until tender. Add chicken broth and boil. Now add the chicken, simmer for 20 minutes, then shred and put back in the pot. Add egg noodles and cook until tender. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Conclusion:
Soups are the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for any season or occasion. From hearty beef lentil soup to creamy chicken and wild rice soup, these recipes warm your heart and fill your stomach. You should also try the slow cooker broccoli cheese soup for a delicious, soul-satisfying meal. Classic tomato soup, roasted butternut squash soup, and chicken noodle soup are also great options to add to your comfort food repertoire. So, prepare these comforting soup recipes and enjoy the warmth and comfort they bring in every spoonful.
