As winter settles in, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of hearty soup to warm you up from the inside out.
In the UK, where chilly weather is a part of the season, soups become a staple for comforting meals. Embrace the spirit of winter with these five soul-soothing soup recipes that not only provide warmth but also tantalise your taste buds with rich flavours.
Classic Tomato and Basil Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1.5 kg ripe tomatoes, quartered
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1 litre vegetable broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) / Gas mark 6.
Toss the tomatoes, onion, and garlic with olive oil, then spread on a baking tray. Roast for 30-40 minutes until caramelised.
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a pot, add vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer. Use a hand blender to puree the mixture.
Stir in fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 litre vegetable broth
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
Add the diced butternut squash, vegetable broth, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the squash is tender.
Use a hand blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Stir in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving.
Leek and Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
3 leeks, sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
1.5 litres vegetable broth
2 tbsp butter
150 ml heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté leeks, potatoes, and onion in butter until softened.
Add vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
Use a hand blender to puree the soup until creamy.
Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serve piping hot.
Spicy Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 litre vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
Add lentils, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until lentils are tender.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped coriander.
Mushroom and Barley Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
200g pearl barley, rinsed
250g mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 litres vegetable broth
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices.
Stir in vegetable broth, pearl barley, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
These winter warmer soup recipes are sure to bring comfort and joy to your table during the chilly months in the UK. Whether you prefer a classic tomato and basil blend or a hearty mushroom and barley concoction, these soups are bound to become your go-to meals for staying cozy and satisfied. So, grab your ladle and embrace the warmth of these delightful winter soups!