There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty vegetable soup to warm you up from the inside out, especially during those chilly months when comfort food is a must. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and easy, or a slow-simmered seasonal favorite, we’ve gathered 18 delicious recipes that promise to satisfy. Dive in and discover your next go-to soup that’ll keep everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Nothing comforts the soul quite like a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, especially when it’s homemade with love and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat through for about 5 minutes, but do not boil.
The secret to this soup’s velvety texture? A perfect blend of heavy cream and fresh basil, creating a rich yet refreshing flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each bowl with a swirl of cream and a fresh basil leaf before serving.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, with its rich flavors and velvety texture. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
The secret to this soup’s depth of flavor lies in roasting the butternut squash, which intensifies its natural sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness.
Tip: For an extra smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Warm up your kitchen with this hearty Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Soup, a perfect blend of nutrition and comfort that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and lemon juice, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
The lemon juice adds a bright finish to this deeply spiced soup, making each spoonful a delightful contrast of flavors.
Tip: For an extra kick, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the heat.
Classic Minestrone Soup
Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Classic Minestrone Soup, packed with vibrant vegetables and tender pasta in a rich tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, kidney beans, pasta, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
The beauty of this minestrone lies in its versatility—swap in seasonal veggies or your favorite beans to make it your own.
Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the soup sit for 10 minutes off the heat before serving.
Healthy Kale and White Bean Soup
Warm up with this hearty Healthy Kale and White Bean Soup, a nutrient-packed bowl that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the white beans, kale, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the kale is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
The magic of this soup lies in the tender kale and creamy white beans, creating a perfect balance of textures in every spoonful.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Chunky Vegetable Beef Soup
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of Chunky Vegetable Beef Soup, packed with tender beef and vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
The slow simmering melds the flavors beautifully, while the chunky vegetables and beef make every spoonful satisfyingly hearty.
Tip: For an even richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
French Onion Soup with Gruyere
There’s nothing quite like the deep, caramelized flavors of French Onion Soup, especially when topped with a generous layer of melted Gruyere cheese. This classic dish is simpler to make at home than you might think!
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices of baguette, toasted
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add the 6 cups of beef broth, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Preheat your broiler. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of toasted baguette, and sprinkle with the 1 1/2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately.
The magic of this soup lies in the slow caramelization of the onions, which builds a foundation of rich, sweet flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the sharpness of the Gruyere.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, rub the toasted baguette slices with a cut clove of garlic before adding them to the soup.
Thai Coconut Curry Soup
Warm up with this creamy, aromatic Thai Coconut Curry Soup that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, and 1 tbsp ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tbsp red curry paste and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in 1 can coconut milk and 2 cups broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Add 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime, stirring to combine.
- Add mushrooms, red bell pepper, and chicken, simmering until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
The magic of this soup lies in the balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, all smoothed out by the creamy coconut milk.
Tip: For an extra kick, add a sliced Thai chili with the vegetables.
Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup
Warm up your kitchen with this hearty Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup, a fragrant blend of spices and wholesome ingredients that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, chickpeas, 4 cups vegetable broth, and the can of diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
The magic of this soup lies in the symphony of spices that transport you straight to the heart of Morocco with every spoonful.
Tip: For an extra creamy texture, blend half of the soup before serving.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Nothing beats coming home to a warm, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup that’s been simmering all day, filling your kitchen with comforting aromas.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute more.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, cabbage, green beans, and zucchini.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until all the vegetables are tender.
The beauty of this soup lies in its layers of flavor, developed slowly as each vegetable contributes its unique taste and texture to the pot.
Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Nothing says comfort like a creamy bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup, especially when it’s packed with fresh veggies and melted to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped small onion and minced 2 garlic cloves, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the 2 cups whole milk and 2 cups chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets and grated large carrot to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired. The secret to this soup’s velvety texture? A perfect blend of sharp cheddar and a touch of paprika for depth.
Tip: For an extra smooth soup, blend half of it before adding the cheese, then stir in the remaining florets for texture.
Carrot Ginger Soup
Warm up your kitchen with this vibrant Carrot Ginger Soup, a creamy blend that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the carrots are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender.
- Stir in the coconut milk and heat through for another 2 minutes.
The ginger adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the carrots, while the coconut milk gives the soup a luxuriously smooth finish.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast some cumin seeds and sprinkle them on top before serving.
Mexican Tortilla Soup
Warm up with this vibrant Mexican Tortilla Soup, a bowl full of comforting flavors that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño; cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cumin and chili powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, and black pepper; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
- Serve soup topped with diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and crushed tortilla chips.
The crunch of tortilla chips against the creamy avocado and tender chicken makes every spoonful a delightful contrast.
Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, try charring the corn kernels in a dry skillet before adding them to the soup.
Potato Leek Soup
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy Potato Leek Soup to warm you up from the inside out. This version is velvety, comforting, and just the right amount of hearty.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and add the potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully blend in batches in a regular blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives.
The secret to this soup’s luxurious texture? Yukon Gold potatoes, which blend up beautifully for a silky finish without the need for flour or thickeners.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try sautéing the leeks in bacon fat instead of butter.
Vegetable Pho
Warm up with a bowl of this aromatic Vegetable Pho, a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup that’s packed with fresh flavors and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms), sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
- While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise from the broth. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes until just tender.
- Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.
- Top each bowl with bean sprouts, cilantro, green onions, and a lime wedge for squeezing.
The magic of this Vegetable Pho lies in the fragrant broth that’s both light and deeply flavorful, thanks to the aromatic spices and fresh toppings.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, char the onion and ginger under a broiler for a few minutes before adding them to the broth.
Greek Lemon Rice Soup
Warm up with a bowl of this comforting Greek Lemon Rice Soup, a tangy and creamy delight that’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until smooth. Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Remove the pot from the heat and slowly stir the egg mixture back into the pot. Add the salt and black pepper, stirring gently to combine.
- Let the soup sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped dill before serving.
The magic of this soup lies in the velvety texture created by the tempered eggs, offering a luxurious feel without any cream. Perfect for when you need a little sunshine in your bowl.
Tip: For an extra zesty kick, add a little more lemon juice to taste just before serving.
African Peanut Soup
Warm up your kitchen with this rich and creamy African Peanut Soup, a delightful blend of savory and nutty flavors that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sweet potato, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
- Whisk in the peanut butter, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Add the kale and cook for another 5 minutes, until the kale is wilted.
The magic of this soup lies in the peanut butter’s ability to thicken the broth into a velvety texture while infusing it with a deep, nutty essence.
Tip: For an extra creamy texture, blend half the soup before adding the kale.
Creamy Mushroom Barley Soup
There’s nothing like a bowl of creamy mushroom barley soup to warm you up from the inside out. This hearty, comforting dish is packed with earthy flavors and a satisfying texture that’ll make it a repeat request in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the pearl barley, vegetable broth, water, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The magic of this soup lies in the pearl barley, which swells to create a luxuriously thick base while soaking up all the savory flavors of the mushrooms and cream.
Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, try sautéing the mushrooms in butter instead of olive oil.
Conclusion
We hope these 18 hearty vegetable soup recipes inspire your next cozy meal! Perfect for any season, they’re a delicious way to enjoy the bounty of vegetables. Don’t forget to try your favorites, share your thoughts in the comments, and pin this roundup for later. Happy cooking!