Cozy Up With Soup: 4 Perfect Recipes for Cold Weather

When the temperatures drop and the frost settles in, there’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re cuddled up at home or hosting a cozy gathering, soup is the ultimate comfort food. Here are four delicious soup recipes that will keep you warm and satisfied this winter.

1. Vegetarian Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

This creamy and hearty soup is a vegetarian delight that’s rich in flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 4 cups broccoli florets

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

2. Add potatoes, broccoli, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

4. Stir in milk and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.

2. Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rice

This zesty and filling soup is packed with Tex-Mex flavors and a comforting kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup shredded chicken

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup corn kernels

• Tortilla strips, avocado slices, and shredded cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.

2. Add cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and corn. Simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Stir in cooked rice and heat through.

4. Serve with tortilla strips, avocado slices, and shredded cheese on top.

3. Beef Birria Soup

This traditional Mexican soup is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 4 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed

• 2 dried ancho chiles, seeds removed

• 6 cups beef broth

• 1 onion, quartered

• 4 garlic cloves

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and tortilla strips for serving

Instructions:

1. Toast chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 10 minutes.

2. Blend soaked chiles with onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin into a smooth paste.

3. Heat oil in a large pot. Brown beef chunks, then add chile paste and beef broth.

4. Simmer for 2-3 hours until beef is tender and falls apart.

5. Serve with cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and tortilla strips on the side.

4. Vegan Classic Veggie Noodle Soup

A plant-based twist on a classic, this soup is light yet satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup noodles (egg-free for vegan option)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cup fresh spinach

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

2. Add vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, and noodles. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until noodles are cooked.

3. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes.

4. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.

No matter your preference, these soups are sure to bring warmth and joy to your winter days. Pair them with your favorite bread or crackers, and you’ve got the perfect cold-weather meal. Enjoy!