Nourishing Soups: Cozy Homemade Recipes for Fall and Winter
It’s soup season again! I’m rounding up my favorite nourishing soups to warm you up and comfort your soul. Each recipe is packed with hearty broths, protein, fiber, and vegetables to make sure these recipes will be filling. And as a bonus, they’re meal-prep friendly to start your week off right. Save your favorite recipes and let’s get cooking!
What makes a nourishing soup?
Nourishing soups are a balanced meal in a bowl. The warm soup fights off the chill in the air but are so easy to make and often can be made in the slow cooker or stock pot. A nourishing soup will contain a source of protein, vegetables and fiber. While cream and cheese often provide creamy, comforting flavors it’s important to use in moderation for a truly nourishing soup.
High protein nourishing soups
The protein for nourishing soups can come from several different sources but the most popular is chicken. It is so versatile. Several of these recipes contain shredded chicken – you can use either leftover roasted chicken or cook the chicken in the soup and shred it prior to serving. Another really easy source of protein is sausage – depending the soup flavors you can use a sweet, savory or spicy sausage to add a lot of good flavor. I also consider meatless protein options, such as beans which add fiber.
Veggie packed nourishing soups
Another element of a nourishing soup is a high volume of vegetables. Most soups start with a mirepoix of diced onion, carrot and celery sauteed until golden brown and softened. In addition to the foundational veggies, you can add veggies that will provide flavor complexity and nutritional value. Leafy greens, squash, green beans, etc are great additions. Some recipes will benefit from starchy vegetables like potatoes. These vegetables, while not high in nutritional value, make soups really satisfying.
Fiber rich nourishing soups
An often overlooked element of a nourishing soups is the fiber content. This is typically accomplished with the addition of vegetables or beans. Fiber is so important for gut health and also makes soups more filling. Chilis that contain beans are generally very high in fiber but I try to make sure even a chicken soup has a good source of fiber.
Supplies needed for nourishing soups
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- Soup pot– a heavy bottomed dutch oven is best for soups and stews. Once the pot is fully heated, it is an excellent conductor of heat for sauteing, boiling and simmering.
- Ladle – sorry to state the obvious, but a ladle is essential for serving soups and stews. I like this stainless steel one.
- Soup bowls – of course, the right soup bowls are needed to set the table (and the mood) for a cozy soup dinner.
Nourishing Soups – the recipe round up
Browse these Nourish to Flourish recipes – these nourishing soups have been tested and enjoyed by many each fall and winter.
1. Lemon Chicken Soup – Soup to Brighten your Day
Ever have those days where you just NEED a good chicken soup? This recipe comes from a day when chicken soup was just thing to save the day, but I decided to put a little “zip” to the flavor profile by including lemon. Chickpeas replace noodles to make a nourishing chicken soup that doesn’t skimp on protein, fiber, vegetables, or flavor.
2. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Stew – Dairy Free
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice soup is loaded with vegetables and one big secret: the creaminess comes from honeynut squash, not dairy! This nourishing dish is has lots of wholesome nutrients, fiber, and protein. Cozy up with a bowl of this and a hearty piece of sourdough for a warming weeknight meal!
3. Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Chili
In less than 30 minutes you can have a sensational spicy chicken chili made with just one dish – the instant pot! This chicken chili has a tomato based and can be tweaked to increase or decrease the spice level to your preferences. Enjoy on a busy week night or when hosting the next game day event!
4. Kielbasa Potato Soup – Smoky, protein packed and healthy
Everyone needs a go-to potato soup that you can feel good about – welcome to this hearty and healthy Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe. This comforting soup is packed with savory turkey kielbasa, creamy potatoes, and a hint of smoky flavor, all without sacrificing nutrition. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day while fueling your body with goodness.
As the crisp fall and winter days approach, I hope these nourishing soup recipes have warmed your heart and your belly. Whether you’re craving a hearty spicy chili, a creamy chicken and wild rice stew, or a zippy twist on a classic chicken noodle soup, there’s something for everyone. So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy the cozy comfort of homemade soup.
What are your favorite soup recipes? Share them in the comments below and let’s inspire each other with new culinary adventures.