Recipe Adventure: 12 Soups To Help Warm Up Your Winter

When the days grow short and the weather turns frigid, nothing feels more comforting at mealtime than ladling out a bowl of piping hot soup. It’ll melt winter’s chill and warm you from the inside.

But before you go reaching for a plain old can of packaged soup, know you can do better. So, let’s look in the pantry and fridge (or go shopping!). Odds are you can find the ingredients needed to whip up one of these nutritious and filling soups.

Vacation in a bowl

Don’t worry if you can’t make a winter trek toward a sunnier climate. The salsa and chili powder included in this recipe for southwestern sirloin soup promise to bring some warmth into your kitchen.

Slow-cooked flavor

No meat? No problem! This hearty tomato soup features chickpeas and lentils in a mixture so flavor-filled you won’t miss the meat. Another bonus? This slow-cooked soup also is packed with protein.

Creamy goodness

Thick and creamy soups typically push the limits on fat and calories. Consider this recipe for “easy creamy corn soup” an exception. Plus, the soluble fiber in the corn should keep your belly content for many hours.

Fill the cart

A fair warning: The ingredient list in this recipe for beef, bean and mushroom stew is a bit long. (Twenty different items!) But the payoff for any extra shopping comes with the first taste of this mealtime masterpiece.

Naturally sweet

Butternut squash and carrots add a natural sweetness to this creamy soup. Fresh ginger and a pinch of cayenne pepper, meanwhile, add a little kick. And get this: A serving of this soup is only 70 calories. (Pro tip: Make a big pot, as the soup freezes extremely well for future enjoyment.)

Unexpected combos

What do pineapples, sweet potatoes, tofu, raisins and chickpeas have in common? They’re all included in the eclectic ingredient list for this sweet and spice-filled soup. (On a side note, this soup is fabulous served over quinoa.)

Fall flashback

Who says pumpkins are just for fall? Extend the season by making this nutrient-rich pumpkin leek soup with smoked paprika.

Super noodles

Buckwheat is a whole grain loaded with heart-healthy nutrients. It’s also the key ingredient in many varieties of soba noodles, which is the star of this noodle and mushroom soup. (Fast fact: “Soba” is the Japanese word for buckwheat.)

A ‘nutty’ substitute

Want to make a creamy soup without using dairy? Learn how in this recipe for a savory tomato-basil soup with shrimp that substitutes cashews for the heavy cream often used in these sorts of dishes.

Whole-grain wholesomeness

Barley is a powerhouse whole grain that is chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals. That’s reason enough to try this hearty barley soup. Another perk? It’s an absolute delight for your taste buds.

Zingy flavor

Does a nourishing soup that balances the sweetness of roasted squash and sweet potato with savory onion, garlic, ginger and curry powder sound good to you? If so, try this recipe for curried squash and sweet potato soup. You won’t regret it.

An old twist

Ancient grains carry a certain gravitas in the world of nutrition. This version of minestrone soup features farro, an old-school grain known for its nutty flavor. It’s an addition that takes this classic soup to another level.