After all of the celebrating that comes with the holiday season, we often start the new year full of motivation to make light, healthy recipes full of heath benefits. However, it's still the middle of winter, and warming comfort foods are all that I want when I wake up to a yard covered in frost. This is where soups come in, as the perfect cross between comforting and healthy. Brothy soups in particular are ideal for a nourishing, comforting meal that has all the nutrients your body is craving after the holiday festivities.
Brothy soups by definition use broth as a base, so all of the benefits of broth are in each soup recipe. Whether you use chicken broth, veggie broth or beef broth, you can count on it being full of vitamins and minerals to support the immune system and ward off sicknesses like the common cold. Chicken noodle soup is the most classic broth-based soup, universally toted as the soup for any sickness because of its hydrating and immune-boosting qualities.
As much as we love a good chicken noodle soup, there's a whole world of brothy soups out there, from minestrone to lentil soup to Asian broth soups featuring ingredients like fish sauce and bok choy. Noodles or rice are delicious additions to many soups, or you can enjoy your warming comfort dish with a piece of crusty bread for dipping. Here are 10 brothy soups to start the new year with and keep you warm through the winter!
1. Vegetable Soup
This is a classic vegetable soup full of tasty veggies like peas, corn, potatoes, and carrots. You can use any vegetables you like, fresh or frozen, to make a tasty weeknight soup that makes perfect leftovers. For extra flavor, simmer a parmesan rind in the soup as it cooks, and add a splash of olive oil at the end.
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
2. Easy Dumpling Soup
Want the deliciousness of an Asian soup without going to a restaurant? This dumpling soup only takes 20 minutes and is made with frozen dumplings, which you can keep on hand for whenever you're craving a warm dumpling soup. With a chicken stock base, this soup is flavored with fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil and soy sauce.
Get the recipe at The Modern Proper.
3. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is another classic winter soup, easy to make and full of healthy veggies. This soup recipe calls for zucchini, carrots, celery, onion, tomatoes and spinach, but you can use any veggies you like, like butternut squash or bell peppers. The small shell pasta makes this soup into a cross between soup and pasta, which could never be a bad thing. Add a dollop of pesto at the end for extra flavor.
Get the recipe at Together As a Family.
4. Cheater Pho (Asian Noodle Soup)
Vietnamese pho is ideal for a hangover or cold, along with being undeniably delicious. This easy pho recipe takes out the need for hours of simmering without sacrificing on flavor. The chicken provides the protein, and the rice noodles help to make this soup satisfying and filling. Garnish with an onion, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, jalapeño, and limes for the ultimate homemade pho experience.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
5. Mediterranean White Bean Soup
It's hard to beat a cook time of 25 minutes, especially when it results in a hearty bean soup full of flavor and nutrients. This recipe uses vegetable broth, but feel free to use chicken broth instead for flavor. You can also change the amounts of the garlic, thyme and oregano to make this soup your own. Make in the Instant Pot or crockpot for extra convenience.
Get the recipe at Feel Food Foodie.
6. Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup is my go-to when I'm craving a filling, spicy winter soup. This easy recipe combines chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado and cheese for a hearty, tasty meal full of protein and veggies. Jalapeño adds a spicy kick, and the crispy tortilla strips on top are the perfect touch!
Get the recipe at Averie Cooks.
7. Spicy Cabbage Soup with Sausage
This spicy soup is perfect for a chilly night, as warming and filling as it gets. The spicy andouille sausage adds a kick, and the garlic, coriander and cumin make this soup deliciously flavorful. Eat as an appetizer or main, and substitute the sausage for meatballs if you like.
Get the recipe at Healthy Recipes.
8. Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
Getty Images/rudisill
Another pasta soup! This Italian tortellini soup is another one that could warm you up on the coldest of nights. The turkey sausage links make it extra filling, and you'll get plenty of veggie content form the onion, tomatoes, and spinach. Add extra red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese to make it even yummier.
Get the recipe at Taste of Home.
9. Thai Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup
This spicy, flavorful soup is a Thai take on the classic chicken noodle soup we know and love. Made with spicy green curry paste, coconut milk and ginger, it has Thai flavors that go deliciously with rotisserie chicken and rice noodles. This recipe is perfect for when you're feeling under the weather or simply want a spicy, warming soup for dinner.
Get the recipe at Once Upon a Chef.
10. Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
Getty Images/bonchan
For an indulgently cheesy broth soup, this French onion soup is the way to go. Featuring provolone, Swiss and parmesan cheese, this soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Along with cheese, it contains butter, olive oil, onions, beef broth, sherry, dried thyme, French bread and salt and pepper to taste.
Get the recipe at AllRecipes.
