There is nothing like a homemade soup to bring warmth to our hearts and our homes. A big bowl of soup has been considered the ultimate comfort food for decades, and its (non-scientific) effectiveness has been proven over and over.
To warm you through the cold and grey days of February, here are our top 3 comforting and grounding soup recipes packed with nutrients and taste
(Bonus: these are as tasty as they are easy!
Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
-Uncooked brown lentils
-Vegetable stock (5-6cups)
-1 onion
-4 carrots
-4 celery stalks
-300g baby potatoes
-Garlic
-Olive oil
-Chopped garlic
-Salt & pepper
-Thyme
-Coriander (optional)
Instructions:
-Chop/slice onion, carrots and celery and baby potatoes.
-On medium heat, cook onion, garlic, carrots and celery together in a large pot for approx. 5min.
-Add the potato chunks, salt and pepper to taste and cook for 3min.
-Turn to high heat and add in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
-Reduce to low heat and add the lentils. Stir well and bring back to a simmer for approx. 15min.
-In the last 5min, add thyme, add more salt and pepper to taste and cover.
-(Optional) Sprinkle with coriander before serving
This lentil soup is rich and thick, with the chunky vegetables adding texture and flavour!
Potato and Leek Soup
Ingredients:
-1 onion
-3 large leeks
-300g potatoes
-Chopped garlic
-Chicken stock (5 cups)
– Unsalted butter (50g)
-Double cream (50ml)
-Salt & pepper
-Hand blender
Instructions:
-Chop/slice onion, leeks, and potatoes.
-In a hot large pot, cook diced onion and leeks in butter on medium heat. Stir often to stop the butter from burning and spread it evenly on the leaks.
-Cook for 5min, adding garlic halfway through. Salt and pepper to taste.
-Add in the potatoes and chicken stock. Simmer for approx. 15min, or leave on longer until the potatoes are well softened.
-Use a hand blender to blend into a thick soup then add cream. Bring to a simmer for another minute.
A classic creamy, flavourful potato and leek soup that all the family can enjoy!
Spicy Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
-Canned chopped tomatoes (2 cans)
-1 onion
-2 red chillies
-Vegetable or chicken stock (5 cups)
-Chopped garlic
-Chopped coriander (optional)
-Paprika
-Olive oil
-Salt & pepper
-Hand blender
Instructions:
-In a hot large pot, cook chopped onion in olive oil until softened
-Add garlic and red chillies and cook for 2min.
-Add in the chopped tomatoes and stir well.
-Add stock, paprika, and coriander (optional). Salt and pepper to taste.
-Use a hand blender to blend the tomato chunks for a smooth soup.
-Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat, cover and simmer for 15min.
If you don’t have a palate for spicy dishes, this soup is just as delicious without the chillies! Serving suggestion: it pairs perfectly with sourdough bread!