10+ Soups Recipes to Warm Your Soul and Delight Your Taste Buds

Soup recipes just hit different when you need something warm and comforting, right? Whether you’re after a light lunch or a hearty dinner, soups are usually easy to whip up with ingredients you probably already have.

You can make soups that fit your mood with basic methods and whatever’s in the fridge. They’re also perfect for sneaking in leftover veggies or using up odds and ends.

Ingredients

• Water or broth
• Vegetables (like carrots, onions, and celery)
• Protein (such as chicken, beans, or lentils)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat water or broth in a large pot and bring it to a simmer.
2. Toss in chopped vegetables and let them cook until they soften.
3. Add your protein and seasonings, then cook until everything’s tender.
4. Taste and tweak the seasonings before serving.

1) Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is one of those bowls that just feels like a hug. Fresh mushrooms, garlic, and shallots make the base, and a splash of chicken stock and cream brings it all together.

Try tossing in a splash of sherry or a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy. Not into heavy cream? Use something lighter—it’ll still taste great.

This soup stands alone, or you can use it as a base for other recipes.

Ingredients

• Fresh mushrooms (8 oz)
• Shallots (2, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Chicken stock (3 cups)
• Heavy cream (1 cup)
• Butter (2 tbsp)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: sherry (1 tbsp) or nutmeg (a pinch)

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms, shallots, and garlic. Cook until they’re soft and start to caramelize.
3. Pour in chicken stock and let it simmer.
4. Blend the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in cream, salt, and pepper. Heat it gently—don’t let it boil.
6. Add sherry or nutmeg if you want, then serve warm.

2) Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is as classic as it gets. You can use leftover chicken or cook up some chicken thighs for a deeper flavor.

Add carrots, celery, and onions for a healthy boost. Homemade noodles are awesome, but store-bought work just fine if you’re in a rush.

The broth is where the magic happens—homemade or store-bought, just pick one you like.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 2 cups cooked chicken
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil or butter in a big pot over medium.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add the chicken thighs. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Take out the chicken, shred it, and pop it back in.
5. Add noodles and cook until soft, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

You can find more tips on making chicken noodle soup at Tastes Better From Scratch.

3) Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Turkish Red Lentil Soup is cozy and straightforward. Red lentils, onion, carrot, and a handful of spices build the flavor.

Cook the lentils with veggies, cumin, and dried mint. Tomato paste brings color and a gentle tang.

This one’s nutritious and filling. Try it with lemon wedges or fresh bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried red lentils
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 small potato, peeled and diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, sauté onion, carrot, and garlic until soft.
3. Add tomato paste, cumin, and dried mint.
4. Add lentils, potato, and stock. Bring it to a boil.
5. Turn down the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until everything’s tender.
6. Blend until smooth or leave it chunky—your call.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.

For a detailed recipe, you can check the Turkish Lentil Soup recipe.

4) Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted cauliflower soup is all about that nutty, roasted flavor. Roasting the cauliflower first makes the soup creamy, even without heavy cream.

Toss in onions, garlic, or a bit of parmesan if you’re after more depth. Some folks use butter for a richer texture.

You can keep this soup dairy-free and light by swapping in veggie broth. A sprinkle of cumin or paprika adds a little kick if you want to change things up.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut cauliflower into florets, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until golden.
4. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic in butter until soft.
5. Add roasted cauliflower and broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Blend until smooth with an immersion blender or regular blender.
7. Stir in parmesan if using, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

5) Coconut Laksa with Shrimp

Coconut Laksa with Shrimp brings a creamy coconut base and a mix of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Ginger, garlic, and lemongrass make the broth super fragrant.

You’ll cook shrimp and rice noodles right in the coconut curry broth. It’s a little taste of Southeast Asia, and it’s perfect when you want something bold.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups coconut milk
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass; stir for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in coconut milk and broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Soak rice noodles in hot water until soft, then drain.
6. Remove lemongrass, add noodles to the broth, and heat through.
7. Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.

You can find more details on making this dish with shrimp in a Coconut Laksa with Shrimp recipe.

6) Classic Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is pure comfort, and it’s easy to make whenever you get the craving. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes—whatever you’ve got.

Serve it with grilled cheese or crusty bread if you want the full experience. It’s quick, perfect for busy nights or when you need something warm.

A sprinkle of parmesan or fresh herbs can really bring out the flavors. There’s just something about a bowl of tomato soup that always feels right.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup heavy cream or parmesan

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and add cream or parmesan if you’re into it.
7. Heat through and serve warm.

For an easy and tasty version, check this classic tomato soup recipe.

7) French Onion Soup

French onion soup means slowly caramelized onions, so you get that deep, sweet flavor. Pour in beef broth and let it simmer for a rich base.

Top the soup with toasted bread and a heap of melty cheese. Bake it until the cheese bubbles and browns.

It takes a bit of patience, but the taste and smell are worth every minute.

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette slices
• 2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes until caramelized.
3. Pour in beef broth and wine, bring to a simmer.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with bread slices and cheese.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.

8) New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder is a creamy soup that honestly just feels like a warm hug. You’ll cook potatoes, onions, and bacon in a rich broth, then toss in the clams.

The flavors come together in a way that’s both comforting and hearty. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but, honestly, it can impress guests too.

Use fresh or canned clams—whatever’s handy. The broth turns out thick but not too heavy, so it’s smooth and satisfying without weighing you down.

You don’t need anything fancy—just simple ingredients you probably have. It’s salty bacon, briny clams, and tender potatoes, and you might find yourself craving it more than you’d expect.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 2 cups clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (10 oz) can clams, drained
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Set it aside.

2. Sauté onions in the bacon fat until they’re soft.

3. Add potatoes and clam juice. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.

4. Stir in clams and cream. Heat gently—don’t let it boil.

5. Add salt and pepper.

6. Pile on the crispy bacon when you serve.

Try this easy New England Clam Chowder recipe if you’re in the mood for a classic soup night.

9) Palak Daal Soup

Palak Daal Soup is simple, healthy, and honestly pretty comforting any time of day. You get lentils and spinach together, so there’s protein, vitamins, and all that good stuff in one bowl.

The flavors stay mild but cozy, perfect if you want something light yet filling. Cook the lentils until they’re soft, then add fresh spinach leaves.

Spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green chilies make things interesting without overpowering the soup. It comes together quickly, so it’s a solid option for a fast meal or a starter.

You can adjust the spice level to fit your mood, which makes this recipe pretty versatile.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 10-12 fresh spinach leaves
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the moong dal and soak it for about 10 minutes.

2. Combine dal and 4 cups water in a pot. Bring it to a boil.

3. Add turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Lower the heat and let it simmer 15-20 minutes, until the dal softens.

4. Toss in chopped spinach, onion, green chilies, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Stir now and then so the flavors blend. Serve it warm.

More details here: Dal Palak Soup – Culinary Labz.

10) Hearty Beef Chili

You can throw together a filling chili with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. It’s a warm, simple meal that just hits the spot on cooler days.

You don’t need a ton of ingredients, but somehow the flavors work out to be pretty tasty. Start by browning your ground beef in a big pot.

Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder for that classic chili flavor. Onions and green peppers make it even heartier—why not?

Let your chili simmer so the spices get a chance to really blend in. Slow cooking makes the beef tender and the soup nice and thick.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Toss in the onions and green peppers.
   Let them cook until they’re soft and fragrant.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
   Add chili powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour in 1 cup of water.
   Crank up the heat and bring everything to a boil.

5. Turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
   Give it a stir every so often.

6. Serve it up hot.

If you’re curious about a different take on chili soup, check out this Hearty Tex-Mex Chili Soup Recipe.