Best Soup Recipes: Warm and Comforting Bowls

Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be made in countless ways. Here are three hearty soup recipes to warm you up.

1. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Tortilla strips, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Avocado, sliced (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add Spices:

   • Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Ingredients:

   • Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, and shredded chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Season and Serve:

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve the soup hot, garnished with tortilla strips, lime wedges, avocado slices, and shredded cheese if desired.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Background

Chicken tortilla soup is a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its rich, spicy broth and hearty ingredients. It's a perfect dish for using up leftover chicken and provides a warming, satisfying meal.

2. Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.

2. Add Tomatoes and Broth:

   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

3. Blend the Soup:

   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth.

4. Season and Add Cream:

   • Return the soup to the pot if using a blender. Stir in the fresh basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Add the heavy cream and simmer for another 10 minutes.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Large pot
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Background

Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food, often paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic meal. Its origins can be traced back to Italy, where fresh tomatoes and basil are staples in many dishes.

3. Beef and Barley Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

   • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Broth and Barley:

   • Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, pearl barley, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes until the barley is tender.

4. Season and Serve:

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Background

Beef and barley soup is a hearty, nutritious dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Barley, one of the oldest cultivated grains, adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the soup, making it a satisfying meal.