There is nothing like soup to comfort the soul. A hearty, homemade soup can warm and satisfy and for the brief time that it is enjoyed slow the pace of our hectic lives.
The bounty of each season can be celebrated in a hearty or light, warm or chilled, sweet or savoury bowl of soup. Soups should be homey and harness your inner artist when preparing them. Don’t be afraid to experiment or go off script. Use up leftovers or those vegetables before they go to waste. Here are 8 classic soups to help inspire you. Enjoy!
1. Lentil, Barley and Sweet Potato Soup
A big bowl of this steaming hot soup loaded with lentils, barley, sweet potatoes, celery and carrots is sure to warm you up on a cold winter day.
2. Simple Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese and Mustard Croutons
The classic combo of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich, with a twist! Fresh basil, honey and mustard powder make this tomato soup better than anything out of a can, and using mayonnaise rather than butter when frying the grilled cheese is a game changer.
Recipe developed and image courtesy of Renée Kohlman from Sweetsugarbean.
3. Spinach and Mushroom Soba Noodle Soup
Enjoy this comforting soup on a cold fall or winter night. It’s quick, simple, and packs quite the protein punch.
4. Hearty Beef Minestrone Soup
This stew-like minestrone is hearty enough to be a main course. It’s a beefy soup that both kids and parents will love.
5. Sausage, Potato and Kael Soup
A pot of soup is the ultimate in healthy, inexpensive meals, and a great way to stretch one or two flavourful sausages to feed the whole family. Fresh chard or spinach can also be used in place of the kale – this Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup is a great way to use up any that’s starting to wilt.
6. Caramelized Onion and Garlic Soup
This delicious soup is the essence of comfort food: caramelized onions and garlic topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. Roasting the garlic first as the onions caramelize gives it a head start. Canola oil’s neutral taste won’t interfere with these heady aromatics.
7. Classic Maritime Seafood Chowder
This velvety chowder with classic flavour is ready to customize with your family’s favourite fish or seafood. Simple, quick and so tasty!
8. Tuscan Greens & Lentil Soup
Hearty and healthy, lentils simmer alongside fresh greens and herbs. Don’t forget to garnish bowls with fresh shavings of Parmesan.
Want to choose your own soup adventure? Check out this handy guide to help you choose what type of soup to make based on which Canadian ingredients you have in your fridge, pantry or freezer.
