As the mercury drops and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to chase away the winter chill.
Whether you’re snuggled under a throw blanket or just looking for a nourishing meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying, soup is the ultimate comfort food.
It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and a brilliant way to make the most of winter’s bounty—plus, leftovers mean you’re sorted for lunch the next day.
We’ve rounded up seven soul-soothing soup recipes that range from lightning-fast Asian classics to hearty European favourites.
So, put away the knives and forks, grab your favourite spoon, and get ready to slurp your way through winter.
1. Speedy tom yum soup—a 15-minute wonder
When dinner needs to happen now, Lara Lee’s sweet, sour, and spicy tom yum is a lifesaver. The secret? Store-bought tom yum paste, which packs a punch of flavour without the fuss.
Traditionally made with prawns, this soup is endlessly adaptable—swap in chicken, tofu, or whatever veggies you have on hand.
As Lara says, ‘I’ve used it to rescue meals for the best part of my adult life.’ It’s a zesty, warming bowl that’ll have you feeling like you’re dining in Bangkok, even if you’re just in your own kitchen.
2. The ultimate pumpkin soup—creamy, classic, and comforting
Pumpkin soup is a winter staple for good reason. Felicity Cloake’s version is all about simplicity and depth of flavour.
She recommends using chicken stock over vegetable for a richer, more harmonious taste, and starts with sautéed red onions and carrots to bring out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
The result? A velvety, golden soup that’s as good for the soul as it is for the tastebuds. Top with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of toasted seeds for extra indulgence.
3. Ottolenghi’s roasted beetroot soup—vibrant and aromatic
If you’re after something a little different, Yotam Ottolenghi’s roasted beetroot soup is a showstopper.
Yes, it takes a bit longer—you’ll need about an hour to roast the beetroot and garlic—but the payoff is a bowl of deep magenta, fragrant soup that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The earthy sweetness of beetroot is perfectly balanced by a dollop of saffron-infused yoghurt and a scattering of toasted almonds.
Ottolenghi says it reminds him of home, and after one spoonful, you’ll see why.
Credit: Cooking Katie Lady / TikTok
4. Ginger, garlic & bok choy broth—the ultimate pick-me-up
Feeling a bit under the weather or just in need of a boost? Hetty Lui McKinnon’s ginger, garlic, and bok choy broth is designed to restore your sense of well-being.
Packed with immune-boosting ingredients and simmered to perfection, this soup is light yet deeply nourishing.
It’s the perfect antidote to the ‘mid-season slump’—and it’s so easy, you’ll want to make it again and again.
5. Kidney bean soup with thyme dumplings—hearty and homely
Don’t underestimate the humble kidney bean! In this hearty soup, they’re the star, providing protein and a satisfying texture.
Jack Monroe’s recipe includes quick-and-easy thyme dumplings (just flour, salt, and thyme) that float on top like little clouds.
Once the soup has thickened, finish with crispy bacon for a hit of ‘salty deliciousness.’ It’s the kind of meal that’ll warm you right down to your toes.
Credit: Abir el Saghir/ TikTok
6. Slavic root vegetable soup—waste not, want not
We’ve all been there: a crisper drawer full of wilted veggies that are past their prime. Don’t toss them!
Alice Zaslavsky’s Slavic-inspired soup turns sad root vegetables into a nourishing, cost-effective meal that’ll last all week.
Fennel, carrot, potato, turnip, and cabbage are gently simmered together, creating a rustic, hearty soup that’s as good for your wallet as it is for your body.
It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
7. Classic French onion soup—a Parisian hug in a bowl
French onion soup might sound fancy, but restaurateur Marc Kuzma insists it’s ‘one of the easiest dishes’ you can make.
His version is a one-pot wonder, ready in just 15 minutes with only eight ingredients—including a splash of good cognac and white wine for that unmistakable French flair.
The key, says Kuzma, is quality booze: ‘Using a good quality cognac and white wine is very important.’
Top with a slice of crusty bread and melted cheese, and you’ve got a dish that’s pure Parisian comfort.
Soup-making tips for the seasoned (and not-so-seasoned) cook
- Batch cooking: Most soups freeze beautifully, so double the recipe and stash some away for a rainy day.
- Stock up: Homemade stock adds depth, but don’t stress if you’re short on time—a good-quality store-bought stock works wonders.
- Veggie rescue: Soups are the perfect way to use up odds and ends from the fridge. Get creative!
- Spice it up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of smoked paprika, or a handful of fresh herbs can transform a simple soup.
What’s your go-to winter soup? Do you have a family recipe that’s been passed down through the generations, or a new favourite you’ve discovered? Share your tips, tricks, and soup stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Skip the guilt: The surprising ‘good-for-you’ cheeses hiding in Aisle 3
