Drawing from two decades of expertise in developing and testing recipes, an editor at EatingWell shares her top 14 favorite soup creations. This curated selection includes a variety of comforting and nourishing options, from spiced lentil and ginger-garlic chicken soups to more unconventional yet delicious choices like cheeseburger soup and sweet potato-peanut bisque. These recipes are celebrated for their adaptability, often allowing for easy ingredient swaps, and are ideal for preparing large batches to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later, ensuring a flavorful and convenient meal is always at hand.
One standout is the Slow-Cooker Spiced Lentil Soup with Vegetables, a recipe that won immediate acclaim for its rich, aromatic blend of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. This hearty soup incorporates a generous array of vegetables and lentils, offering a deeply satisfying meal. Its convenience as a "dump-and-go" slow-cooker dish means minimal prep, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking wholesome, large-batch meals. Yielding 12 servings, it's an excellent choice for leftovers or freezing.
Another beloved recipe is Tinola, a Filipino ginger-garlic chicken soup. This brothy and hydrating soup is particularly favored during colder months, especially when fresh bok choy is available from local farms. It’s also a go-to remedy for cold symptoms due to its soothing properties. The editor recounts a memorable experience at a Thai restaurant where this soup captivated her, inspiring her to recreate it at home.
For those craving a unique and indulgent flavor, the Chunky Cheeseburger Soup is a surprising delight. Initially met with skepticism, its creamy, cheesy profile quickly won over the editor. Garnishing with chopped dill pickles or relish is highly recommended to enhance its distinctive taste. This recipe, developed for a cookbook, transforms a classic comfort food into a warm, satisfying soup.
A timeless favorite, Classic Chicken Soup, remains a staple. Preparing it with bone-in chicken breasts ensures a rich, flavorful broth, though cooked chicken can be used for a quicker version. The editor advises keeping noodles separate until serving to prevent them from becoming mushy, making it perfect for families seeking a comforting meal that can be enjoyed over several days.
The Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque, originating from a 2009 EatingWell magazine feature, uses an unexpected ingredient: tomato-vegetable juice blend. This shortcut significantly boosts flavor, providing a convenient and delicious option that can be made spontaneously with readily available ingredients. Its rich texture and unique flavor profile make it a cherished choice.
The Ono Kao Sweh, a coconut chicken noodle soup, was inspired by a dish from a newly opened Thai restaurant. The editor's strong affinity for this soup led her to develop a homemade version, ensuring she could enjoy its comforting flavors whenever desired. This highlights how culinary inspirations from dining experiences can translate into cherished home recipes.
Sweet & Sour Beef-Cabbage Soup showcases cabbage, which the editor considers an underrated vegetable, as the star. The unexpected addition of chopped apple creates a delightful flavor dynamic. Adaptable to dietary needs, it can be made with ground turkey instead of beef, maintaining its delicious taste for those avoiding red meat.
Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup is another substantial recipe ideal for meal prepping. Inspired by a now-closed soup delivery service, this thick and rich soup is especially comforting on chilly days. Packed with immune-boosting ingredients like turmeric and rich in vitamin A, it offers both warmth and nutritional benefits.
Chicken Potpie Soup with Tater Tot Topping offers a deconstructed version of the classic chicken potpie. This soupified adaptation provides the same comforting flavors with less effort. While tater tots make for a fun topping, serving it with warm, crusty bread is equally delightful.
Split Pea Soup with Chorizo was crafted to add a robust flavor to a traditional lentil soup. The chorizo is cooked separately and sprinkled on top before serving to preserve its texture and flavor, preventing it from leaching into the soup during slow cooking. It can also be prepared as a meatless option or with chorizo pumfu.
Tilapia Corn Chowder, a highly adaptable recipe, is a frequent choice due to its forgiving nature and the common availability of its ingredients. The editor often substitutes cod or mahi for tilapia and uses onions or shallots in place of leeks. A finishing touch of lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing zest.
Spicy Black Bean Soup, brimming with black beans and kale, offers a nutritious and hearty meal. For a creamier texture, parts or all of the soup can be pureed. It’s frequently served with an array of toppings, such as crushed tortilla chips, salsa, hot sauce, and strained yogurt, enhancing its flavor and making it a versatile dish that stores and freezes well.
Butternut Squash, Tomato, Chard & Chickpea Soup is prized for its quick preparation time, ready in just 20 minutes. Its fundamental components—beans, greens, and root vegetables—are highly interchangeable, allowing for seasonal variations and customization with ingredients like turnips, rutabaga, potatoes, and various sturdy greens. This flexibility ensures a hearty and delicious outcome regardless of the specific produce used.
Finally, Ginger-Chicken Stew with Greens, a recipe developed in 2009, remains a long-standing favorite. Inspired by a braised chicken dish with abundant ginger from Hawaii, this stew is enriched with dark leafy greens. Mustard greens complement the other ingredients well, though any favorite sturdy green can be substituted, making it a versatile and flavorful meal.
