Delicious Soup Recipes: Comfort in a Bowl for Every Season

Inspired by the rich flavors of our recipe partner, Campbell’s

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of homemade soup. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or you’re feeling under the weather, soup recipes offer comfort, nourishment, and endless possibilities. From silky smooth purées to hearty chunky stews, soups are the ultimate versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste preference or dietary need. In this guide, we’ll explore essential soup-making techniques and share our favorite recipes that will have you reaching for your ladle all year round.

Assortment of colorful homemade soup recipes in bowls including tomato soup, potato soup, and chicken noodle soup

Essential Soup-Making Techniques

Before diving into specific soup recipes, let’s explore the fundamental techniques that form the foundation of any great soup. Mastering these simple methods will elevate your soup game and give you the confidence to experiment with flavors.

Sautéing Aromatics: The Flavor Foundation

Almost every soup recipe begins with sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery (known as mirepoix in French cuisine). This crucial step develops deep flavor by caramelizing the natural sugars in the vegetables. Heat oil or butter in your pot, add the diced aromatics, and cook until softened and fragrant, usually 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic begins!

Building a Flavorful Broth

The broth is the heart of any soup recipe. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade, broth provides the liquid base and much of the flavor. For vegetable soups, a light vegetable broth works best. For heartier soups, chicken or beef broth adds richness. To enhance store-bought broth, simmer it with aromatics like garlic, herbs, and spices before adding other ingredients.

Simmering: Low and Slow

Patience is key when making soup. A gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—allows flavors to meld while keeping vegetables and proteins tender. You should see small bubbles breaking the surface occasionally. Cover the pot partially to prevent too much evaporation while allowing some reduction to concentrate flavors.

Pureeing for Smooth Soups

For velvety smooth soups like tomato or butternut squash, pureeing is essential. An immersion blender allows you to blend directly in the pot, minimizing cleanup. Alternatively, use a traditional blender, working in batches and being careful with hot liquid. For extra smoothness, strain the pureed soup through a fine-mesh sieve.

Ready to Start Your Soup Journey?

These fundamental techniques will help you create delicious soups from scratch. Now let’s explore some classic recipes you can try today!Explore Recipes

Classic Soup Recipes You’ll Love

Now that you understand the basics, let’s dive into some timeless soup recipes that have stood the test of time. Each of these soups showcases different techniques and flavor profiles, giving you a well-rounded soup repertoire.

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

This velvety potato soup is the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. The humble potato creates a naturally creamy texture without needing heavy cream, while leeks add a subtle, sweet onion flavor that elevates this soup to something special.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds (about 4-5) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ cup milk or cream (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and onion, cooking until softened but not browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add potatoes, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  4. Cover partially and cook until potatoes are very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer in batches to a blender.
  6. Stir in milk or cream if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives.

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Classic chicken noodle soup recipe with vegetables and herbs

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s a reason chicken noodle soup is considered the ultimate comfort food. This clear, brothy soup is nourishing, satisfying, and perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. The key to great chicken noodle soup is a flavorful broth and not overcooking the noodles.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 6 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Recipe inspiration powered by our partner, Campbell’s.

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add shredded chicken and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 6-8 minutes.
  6. Stir in parsley and lemon juice if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove bay leaf before serving.

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Hearty Minestrone

This Italian vegetable soup is incredibly versatile and packed with nutrition. Minestrone is the perfect way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it both economical and delicious. The addition of beans and pasta transforms it from a simple soup into a complete meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 yellow squash, diced (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add zucchini, yellow squash (if using), and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in dried herbs, then add broth and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add beans and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
  6. Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

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Smooth Tomato Basil Soup

This classic tomato soup is miles above anything you’ll find in a can. The addition of fresh basil brightens the flavor, while a touch of cream adds luxurious richness. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combination.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add canned tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with a spoon. Add broth, sugar, and oregano.
  5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Add basil leaves and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes.
  7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer in batches to a blender.
  8. If desired, strain through a fine-mesh sieve for extra smoothness.
  9. Return to pot and stir in cream if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

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Tips for Customizing Your Soup Recipes

The beauty of soup is its flexibility. Once you master the basics, you can customize any soup recipe to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some tips for making any soup recipe your own:

Flavor Boosters

  • Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking provide brightness, while dried herbs added during cooking infuse deeper flavor.
  • Acid: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can wake up flavors in any soup recipe.
  • Umami: Add depth with a parmesan rind, soy sauce, fish sauce, or nutritional yeast.
  • Heat: Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced chili peppers can add warmth to any soup.
Dietary substitutions for adapting soup recipes

Dietary Adaptations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth and plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, or tofu.
  • Gluten-Free: Replace wheat pasta with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free noodles.
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy cream.
  • Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips; use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Storing and Reheating Soup

Most soup recipes actually taste better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your soups:

Refrigerating:

  • Cool soup completely before refrigerating (within 2 hours of cooking).
  • Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days.
  • For soups with pasta or rice, consider storing the starch separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.

Freezing:

  • Most soups freeze well for 2-3 months, except cream-based soups which may separate.
  • Leave headspace in containers as soup will expand when frozen.
  • Label with name and date.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tip: When reheating soup, warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it’s thickened too much during storage. For creamy soups that have separated after freezing, use an immersion blender to recombine.

Ready to Create Your Own Signature Soup?

Now that you know how to customize soup recipes, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen!Share Your Creation

Embrace the Art of Soup Making

Soup making is truly an art form that balances technique with creativity. Whether you’re following a classic recipe or inventing your own creation, the process of making soup connects us to culinary traditions while allowing for personal expression. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into a nourishing, flavorful meal that can be shared with loved ones.

We hope this guide has inspired you to dust off your soup pot and explore the wonderful world of homemade soups. From mastering the fundamental techniques to customizing recipes to suit your taste, you now have all the tools you need to create delicious soups year-round. Remember, the best soup recipes are the ones that bring you joy—both in the making and the eating!

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