It’s that time of year when all I want to do is curl up on the sofa in a toasty blanket with a delicious bowl of soup, and forget all about the wind and rain hurling itself around outside (and generally everything else!) So, let’s all get cosy while I bring you a batch of my favourite soups to warm up those winter months.
1. Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
Let’s kick off with a restorative bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Soup, a Polish recipe I got from my mother. It’s a clear broth that uses a whole chicken cooked ultra gently in the slow cooker, so it requires very little fuss. It’s usually served with homemade egg noodles or dumplings and makes for a really decent meal.
2. Chickpea, Chicken and Chorizo Soup
For a hearty meal in a bowl, try my Chickpea, Chicken and Chorizo Soup on for size. It’s packed with both texture and flavour, plus it’s a great way to use up any leftovers lurking in your fridge. I can totally recommend serving it up with some chunky slices of garlic bread for dunking. Here, I’ve used giant cous cous, but you could make this with brown rice, or a grain such as kasza, and don’t forget to add plenty of chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients.
3. Beetroot and Kale Soup
If you’re on the hunt for a super healthy and nutritious meal idea, then take a look at this vivid Beetroot and Kale Soup with tasty Almond Crumble topper. As well as being ridiculously good for you, it’s also absolutely gorgeous to look at so makes for a pretty starter if you’ve got guests round for lunch.
4. Rainy Day Pizza Pasta Soup
My kids made up the name of this soup Rainy Day Pizza Pasta Soup when I served up a quick family meal stretching out some bolognese leftovers, plenty of Parmesan and fresh basil. It makes a change from the usual after-school Spag Bol and is oh-so-warming. If you’re got a gaggle of kids to feed, this is the one to bring to the table.
5. Polish Wild Mushroom Soup
Another absolute winner. When I’m feeling poorly I crave either Chicken Soup or a bowl of Mushroom Soup which reminds me of home. This simple recipe really makes the most of the strong, earthy flavours of the mushrooms, with fresh cream for extra comfort.
6. Chicken Soup Two Ways
A classic chicken soup is a thing of beauty, because once you’ve got it cracked you can customise it to your heart’s content. I love changing it up by adding things like coconut milk and courgetti or giving it a bit more bulk with some basmatic brown rice and spinach.
7. Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Soup
And finally, my favourite soup from around the web is this little number from Katie Bryson at Feeding Boys. It’s a thick, creamy and intensely flavoured soup using roasted cauliflower and garlic cloves blitzed up with stock and parmesan cheese. We all love cauliflower soup in our house, and roasting it adds a wonderful depth of flavour to this soup.
What’s your favourite soup for the winter? Do you have a classic recipe you always turn to when you’re feeling under the weather? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!
Also, I’ll be pulling some more round ups together over the coming week so do let me know if there is anything you’d like to see.
Elizabeth Jay says
Strange how I didn’t use to like the clear chicken soup as a child . Now I absolutely love it and sprinkled with fresh dill always makes it taste just like our mother’s soup . My mother -in -law will be making us some soup this week – mushroom soup , the Polish way ! Great photographs and recipes , little sis ! x
Elizabeth says
Such a gorgeous collection of soups! It’s currently sleeting out – it’s hitting the window in waves. Definitely soup weather!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I love the vibrant colour of that beetroot soup, especially with the green almond crumble on top! I have a feeling I’m going to be eating a lot of soup this winter. Great selection.
Camilla Hawkins says
Your soups and you styling/photography are just stunning Ren, no wonder you have a book in the pipeline:-) My favourite soup is a Winter Lentil soup with bacon, leeks, parsnips,, carrot etc and orange juice added at the end served with grated cheese, thanks for reminding me, time to dig this recipe out again-)
Denise Tyrrell says
Nothing like a good soup. What little beauties these are.
Jo of Jo's Kitchen says
What a great selection of soups. I really want to try the Polish mushroom one
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Beautiful looking recipes Ren! I’m much preferring soups for lunch at the moment, so warm and comforting.
Laura@howtocookgoodfood says
So many gorgeous soups I now need to try out! I especially love the look of your Polish wild mushroom soup and this is my favourite time of year to get soup making. Great comforting recipes and love the new look site too x
Margot says
I often make soups myself, currently veggie soup with Polish dumplings (kluski kladzione) is my girls’ favourite. For me personally mushroom soups are the best comfort food. Yours look sooo delicious!