Winter Soup Recipe | Hearty and Comforting Homemade Vegetable Soup for Cold Days
Introduction
When the cold air settles in and the nights grow longer, a warm bowl of soup becomes more than just a meal. It feels like comfort in its purest form. A hearty winter soup fills your home with an aroma that instantly makes everyone feel cozy. The sound of bubbling broth and simmering vegetables has a way of inviting family and friends to gather around the table.
Cooking a winter soup is not just about feeding hunger. It is about creating something that nourishes both body and soul. A homemade soup carries a sense of care that no restaurant version can fully match. It lets you make use of fresh seasonal produce while giving you a chance to play with flavors and textures.
Winter brings an abundance of root vegetables, leafy greens, and earthy herbs. Each one adds its unique depth to a comforting pot of soup. Whether you prefer creamy textures or chunky broths, a good winter soup adapts to your taste with ease. It is the perfect dish to keep you warm during chilly evenings, especially when paired with crusty bread or a soft dinner roll.
In this guide, you will learn how to prepare a delicious and nourishing winter soup that captures the essence of the season. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress experienced cooks.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a complete list of ingredients to prepare a hearty pot of winter soup along with their approximate calorie count per serving. These values can vary slightly depending on portion size and specific brands used.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large | 45 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 | 15 |
| Carrots (sliced) | 2 medium | 50 |
| Celery stalks (chopped) | 2 | 25 |
| Potatoes (diced) | 2 medium | 160 |
| Sweet potato (cubed) | 1 medium | 115 |
| Green beans (chopped) | 1 cup | 35 |
| Cabbage (shredded) | 1 cup | 20 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) | 90 |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups | 40 |
| Bay leaves | 2 | 0 |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon | 3 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 2 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | 4 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | 2 |
Total approximate calories per serving: 190–220, depending on portion size and added oil.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the base
Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the chopped onions and let them sauté until they turn translucent and slightly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen will set the tone for a wonderful meal. - Add garlic and vegetables
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about thirty seconds until it releases its scent. Next, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Allow them to cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally so that they begin to soften. - Incorporate sweet potato and green beans
Add sweet potato cubes and green beans to the mix. Continue cooking for another five minutes to build layers of flavor.Another classic you shouldn’t miss is Vegetarian Soup_ which complements this dish well. - Pour in tomatoes and broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Mix well to combine everything evenly. Drop in the bay leaves and fresh thyme for that distinct herbal touch. - Simmer to perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for thirty to forty minutes. Stir occasionally. The vegetables should become tender while the flavors deepen beautifully. - Final touch of freshness
Remove the bay leaves once the soup has finished cooking. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley for a refreshing lift before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
The result is a bowl of winter soup that bursts with wholesome flavor and comforting warmth.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add protein: You can mix in cooked chicken, lentils, or beans to make the soup more filling.
- Experiment with herbs: Try rosemary, oregano, or basil to explore different flavor profiles.
- Make it creamy: Blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot for a thicker texture.
- Add spice: A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika can give your soup a gentle kick.
- Use seasonal vegetables: Swap out ingredients based on what is fresh, like turnips, kale, or parsnips.
- Include grains: Cooked barley, quinoa, or rice can turn your soup into a complete meal.
- For a richer flavor: Roast the vegetables before adding them to the pot for a deeper, caramelized taste.
Customizing your winter soup keeps it exciting and ensures you never get bored of the same recipe.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of this winter soup provides a balanced mix of nutrients that support overall wellness during the colder months.
This soup offers warmth without being heavy. It is light on the stomach while still keeping you full for hours.
Serving Suggestions
A steaming bowl of winter soup pairs beautifully with simple sides and garnishes. You can serve it with a thick slice of rustic bread or a handful of garlic croutons. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad topped with nuts and vinaigrette.
If you are serving guests, sprinkle a little grated cheese or drizzle olive oil over each bowl before serving. The melted cheese adds a luxurious texture that complements the earthy vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, also adds color and aroma to the presentation.
For a cozy dinner, serve the soup alongside a baked potato or a small portion of roasted chicken. It also works well as a light lunch on its own, especially when reheated the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable.
Winter Soup Recipe | Hearty and Comforting Homemade Vegetable Soup for Cold Days
Course: Blog6
servings15
minutes40
minutes200
kcalIngredients
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 medium sweet potato, cubed
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 cup cabbage, shredded
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
Directions
- Sauté the aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the vegetables
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and sweet potato. Stir well and let them cook for 5 minutes to begin softening.
- Combine remaining ingredients
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add green beans, cabbage, bay leaves, and thyme. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For a creamier version, blend half the soup and return it to the pot. You can also add cooked lentils, beans, or chicken for extra protein. This winter soup freezes well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze winter soup?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.
2. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can blend part of the soup or add a spoonful of cornstarch dissolved in water during cooking.
3. Is this soup vegan?
Yes, the recipe is entirely plant-based. You can make it richer by adding coconut milk or plant cream.
4. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely. Chicken broth adds extra depth and works beautifully if you are not following a vegan diet.
5. What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
Butternut squash or pumpkin makes excellent substitutes while keeping the same smooth texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
Few dishes capture the comfort of winter quite like a bowl of homemade soup. Each spoonful brings warmth and nourishment that goes beyond flavor. Making it from scratch fills your home with a sense of care that pre-packaged options simply cannot match.
