As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade soup. Not only are soups nourishing and easy to prepare, but they also help keep the winter chills at bay. Here are three easy and delicious winter soup recipes that will warm you up from the inside out.
1. Classic Tomato Basil Soup
This rich and creamy tomato basil soup is a timeless favorite, perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of crusty bread.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream for a richer texture.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
2. Hearty Lentil Soup
Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty lentil soup is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a great option for a filling winter meal.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
Stir in garlic, lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Add cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
3. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
This silky smooth butternut squash soup is naturally sweet and incredibly comforting, making it a wintertime favorite.
Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Add cubed butternut squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the squash is tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess.
Serve hot and enjoy!