It’s no secret that as the chilly days of winter approach, everyone wants some comfort food that can keep them warm and cozy inside. Of course, the best option for this kind of comfort food is soup! Soup is not only easy to make but can also be put together incredibly quickly. Plus, it generally stays fresh for several days in the fridge. In this article, we’ll discuss why soup is such a great comfort food and provide several amazing (and inexpensive) soup recipes for those super chilly days.
Why is Soup Such A Great Comfort Food?
A warm bowl of soup is classic comfort food! Soup is incredibly soothing and satisfying, especially during the increasingly cold winter weather (depending on where you live). Soup is one of the many meals given to children when they’re sick, as its qualities are often associated with being cared for and tended to. Physical warmth is one thing that can always make you feel better when it’s cold outside, especially if you aren’t feeling 100 percent.
You Can Make Soup With Very Few Ingredients
In addition to soup being such a great comfort food, it’s also great for those who are on a budget or have little time to cook. Many soup recipes can be made with only a few ingredients, some of which you already have in your fridge or pantry. The recipes below talk about soups that only require a few ingredients to make and can be prepared quickly. These soups are some of the best cheap and easy family meals for those on a budget!
Best Soup Recipes for Chilly Days
We’ve discussed the benefits of soup and why it can be so great for those on a budget. Next, we’ll highlight some of the best soup recipes for those chilly days at home. No matter what kind of soup you like or what ingredients you currently have, there is undoubtedly a recipe on this list that will be perfect for you. So if you want to make some comforting soup this week for dinner, keep reading!
Cheesy Potato and Corn Chowder
Chowder is an excellent type of soup for when you need a more filling, hearty dinner option that isn’t going to break the bank. To make this cheesy potato corn chowder, combine two cans of condensed cheddar cheese soup and one can of milk in a pot on medium heat. Additionally, add a can of diced potatoes and a can of drained corn. Other spices and ingredients you can add include onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Heat for five to ten minutes or until the soup bubbles and the potatoes and corn are thoroughly heated.
White Bean Soup
White bean soup uses a variety of pantry staples to create a hearty, protein-filled meal. To make white bean soup, combine canned beans, onions, carrots, celery, noodles (if you want), and parmesan cheese with a soup base of your choice in a large pot. Heat over high heat on the stove for several minutes until the soup bubbles, and all ingredients are heated through. This soup is also quite versatile, so you can add whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the classic recipe we all had as children when we were sick. However, chicken noodle soup is also great for using leftover chicken or vegetables from other meals! To make this soup:
- Combine about a cup and a half of cooked shredded chicken in a pot with around 14 ounces of chicken stock or broth, black pepper, onion powder, dried basil, and celery powder.
- Add carrot slices, celery, dry pasta, and whatever other vegetables you have on hand.
- Heat over high heat until the soup is boiling and the pasta and carrots are soft.
Chipotle Chicken Soup
Chipotle chicken soup is a classic, nourishing soup recipe with a spicy kick inspired by some Mexican flavors. To make chipotle chicken soup, you’ll need to cook some chicken breasts with as much spice as you want, slicing it after it’s finished cooking. Then, in a soup pot, combine the chicken and soup base of your choice alongside some canned adobo sauce with chiles and whatever frozen or fresh vegetables you have on hand. After the soup is finished heating, top it with some crispy tortilla strips for an extra crunch.
Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a classic recipe and one of the most simple to make. However, it does not keep very well, so you should only make this recipe in small portions when needed. To make egg drop soup:
- Combine one can of chicken stock with a tablespoon of soy sauce and half a teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Heat everything to a boil while beating two eggs together in a separate bowl.
- As the soup boils, stir in the beaten egg slowly and reduce the heat, simmering for around three minutes.
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is a hearty, protein-filled recipe perfect for any occasion. Italian wedding soup consists of simple ingredients like a broth of choice, eggs, greens, a small pasta, and seasonings. Additionally, Italian wedding soup is classically full of miniature meatballs! Most of these ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, and you can customize this soup any way you want. When serving Italian wedding soup, it’s best to toast up a crispy load of bread to serve on the side!
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash is a classic fall vegetable, and it can become even more warm and comforting when transformed into a soup for those cold winter nights. To make butternut squash soup, you only need to roast several vegetables until they’re soft. Consider including not only butternut squash but some carrots, onion, celery, potatoes, and other root vegetables. After all the vegetables are roasted, throw them into a blender until they’re a smooth mixture. Then, heat in a soup pot until everything is warm, and top with a small amount of cream if desired.
Tomato Soup
Like butternut squash soup, all you need to do to make tomato soup is heat the ingredients together before pureeing everything in a blender. Cook some chopped raw onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, a can of stewed tomatoes, ground black pepper, and salt until the mixture is boiling. Simmer for 15 minutes before pureeing the mixture in a blender and serving immediately. For a tasty, hearty meal, serve with a freshly-made grilled cheese sandwich!
Cheddar and Broccoli Soup
Cheddar and broccoli soup is an absolute classic, and there are several ways to make it your own creation! You can either combine condensed cheddar cheese soup with broccoli. Or, you can create a mac and cheese base and combine that with some broccoli. You can add other vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and spicier seasonings to give it a flavorful kick. Frozen vegetables can also work for this recipe as long as they are rinsed to avoid freezer burn.
Soup: The Ultimate Budget Dinner
Cultures worldwide have created unique soup recipes with whatever is on hand for centuries. And no one can deny that soup nourishes both body and soul. However, these recipes we’ve provided are only a starting point. We encourage you to create your own award-winning soups that will become cherished cold-weather dishes for your family and friends.
