A hearty and comforting Winter Warmer Soup is perfect for chilly days. Packed with seasonal vegetables, tender chunks of meat or hearty legumes, and warming spices, this soup is a cozy meal that nourishes the body and soothes the soul. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate winter comfort food.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
olive oiloniongarliccarrotscelerypotatoesbutternut squash or pumpkincanned diced tomatoeschicken broth or vegetable stockcooked shredded chicken or canned beans (for a vegetarian option)bay leavesthyme or rosemarysalt and pepperfresh parsleycrusty bread, for serving
directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Add diced carrots, celery, potatoes, and butternut squash. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in canned diced tomatoes and broth. Add bay leaves and thyme or rosemary.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Add shredded cooked chicken or beans and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat through.
Remove bay leaves. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 35-40 minutesTotal time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added sweetness.
Add cooked pasta or rice for extra heartiness.
Spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika.
Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
storage/reheating
Store Winter Warmer Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable stock and canned beans instead of chicken.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients except the chicken or beans and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cooked chicken or beans at the end.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes very well. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the vegetables with a spoon or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
What bread pairs well with this soup?
Crusty sourdough, baguette, or homemade garlic bread are all great choices.
Conclusion
Winter Warmer Soup is the ultimate cozy meal for cold weather. With its nourishing ingredients, comforting flavors, and endless variations, it’s sure to become a family favorite you’ll crave all season long.
Print
Winter Warmer Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and comforting winter soup packed with seasonal vegetables and warming spices, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 parsnip, diced
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, parsnip, and butternut squash. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add thyme, rosemary, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add a can of drained chickpeas.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor.
- Soup can be blended for a smoother texture if desired.