5 Cozy Soup Recipes to Warm You Up This Season
As the cool breeze of fall sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot soup to chase away the chill. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or hosting a cozy dinner, these hearty and delicious soup recipes will warm you up from the inside out. Here are five cozy soups you must try this season!
1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This classic favorite is a perfect way to enjoy the freshness of ripe tomatoes with a hint of basil. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty garlic bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot!
Pro Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, roast the tomatoes and garlic before adding them to the soup!
2. Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing beats a classic chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving comfort. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles, this soup is a timeless go-to.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken, egg noodles, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tip: Make this soup even more comforting by adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors!
3. Butternut Squash Soup
For a slightly sweet and savory soup, butternut squash soup is a seasonal favorite that’s incredibly easy to make. The velvety texture combined with the natural sweetness of the squash makes this a must-try dish for fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed squash with olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the roasted squash and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream, and season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Serve with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Pro Tip: For a flavor boost, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the squash!
4. Creamy Potato Leek Soup
This rich and creamy potato leek soup is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of potatoes and leeks creates a smooth and velvety texture, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté until softened.
- Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Pro Tip: Add crispy bacon bits on top for an extra layer of savory goodness!
5. Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Packed with protein-rich lentils and vegetables, this spicy soup is both filling and healthy. The warmth of spices like cumin and chili powder adds a flavorful kick, perfect for a cold evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Pro Tip: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the spiciness!
These five cozy soups are perfect for enjoying the fall and winter seasons, offering warmth and comfort in every bowl. Whether you love the classics or prefer something with a little spice, you’re sure to find a new favorite among these recipes. Happy cooking!