15 Timeless Soup Recipes That Warm the Soul

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the weather gets cooler or you just need a little comfort. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket made of delicious flavors. These timeless recipes are guaranteed to make you feel good inside and out. Ready to savor some real comfort? Grab your favorite bowl, because these soups are going to be your new go-tos.

Beef and Barley Soup

This rich and hearty soup is made with chunks of beef, pearl barley, carrots, and celery. Start by browning beef pieces in a large pot, then add onions, garlic, and beef broth. Simmer with barley and vegetables until everything is tender. Season with thyme, bay leaves, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. The result is a soul-warming meal that’s filling and perfect for cold days.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

For a Mexican twist, simmer shredded chicken with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Add black beans, corn, and spices like cumin and chili powder for a burst of flavor. Serve the soup topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. This soup is a vibrant and zesty option that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

To make this velvety soup, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Simmer the mixture with fresh basil leaves and a splash of cream until smooth. Purée for a silky texture and serve with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh basil. This is a comforting and rich take on a classic tomato soup that pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

This Thai favorite is made with coconut milk, chicken, and a medley of fresh herbs like lemongrass and lime leaves. Start by simmering chicken in coconut milk with chicken broth, then add mushrooms, galangal, and a touch of fish sauce. Finish with lime juice and fresh cilantro. This soup is creamy, tangy, and full of bright flavors, perfect for when you want something exotic and soul-soothing​.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Roast red peppers until charred, then blend them with sautéed onions, garlic, and vegetable broth for a rich, smoky flavor. Add a splash of cream and simmer until smooth. This soup is velvety and deeply satisfying, with a hint of sweetness from the peppers. It’s a great option for a quick, healthy, and vibrant meal.

New England Clam Chowder

This creamy, hearty soup is made with clams, potatoes, onions, and celery. Begin by sautéing the vegetables in butter, then add clams and their juice along with heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer with potatoes until tender and finish with fresh parsley. Serve with oyster crackers for a classic dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers.

Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is a sweet and savory soup made with fresh or frozen corn, potatoes, and bacon. Start by cooking bacon until crispy, then sauté onions and garlic in the bacon fat. Add potatoes, corn, and chicken broth, and simmer until tender. Stir in cream and season with thyme for a rich, comforting meal. This soup is ideal for summer and fall when corn is at its sweetest.

Italian Wedding Soup

This traditional Italian soup is made with mini meatballs, spinach, and tiny pasta like acini di pepe. Start by cooking the meatballs in olive oil, then add chicken broth, onions, carrots, and celery. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, and add the pasta. Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a nutritious and comforting bowl that’s great for family dinners.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This classic comfort soup is made with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and egg noodles. Start by simmering the chicken in a pot of water with salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it, and add it back to the broth with the veggies. Cook the egg noodles until tender, and season with thyme for extra warmth. This timeless recipe is a go-to for cold days and pairs well with fresh bread.

French Onion Soup

Caramelize thinly sliced onions in butter, then add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors deepen. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and cover with melted Gruyère cheese. Broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly for a rich and savory experience.

Butternut Squash Soup

For this sweet and earthy soup, roast cubed butternut squash with olive oil and salt until tender. In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger before adding vegetable broth and the roasted squash. Blend the soup until creamy, then season with nutmeg and a dash of cream. It’s a perfect fall recipe that pairs well with a crisp salad.

Minestrone Soup

This hearty Italian soup features cannellini beans, carrots, zucchini, and pasta. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil, then add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and herbs like oregano and basil. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes before adding the beans and pasta. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and serve with crusty bread.

Split Pea Soup

This wholesome soup starts with green split peas, ham hocks, and diced carrots. Simmer the peas with onions and the ham hock in vegetable broth until tender. Remove the ham, shred it, and add it back to the soup. Season with thyme and bay leaves for a deeply savory flavor that’s perfect for winter.

Mushroom Barley Soup

Sauté sliced mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil until golden. Add vegetable broth, pearl barley, and diced carrots. Simmer the soup for 40 minutes until the barley is tender. Season with fresh thyme and a splash of soy sauce for umami richness. This hearty soup is a perfect meal on its own.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Steam broccoli florets and set aside. In a pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Add milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and the steamed broccoli. Blend part of the soup for a creamy consistency, leaving some broccoli pieces intact for texture.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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