5 Healthy Soup Recipes for a Cozy Night In

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a cozy night in with a bowl of comforting soup. Not only do soups warm us up from the inside out, but they can also be incredibly healthy when made with the right ingredients. In this article, we’ll share 5 healthy soup recipes that are perfect for a cozy night in. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian options or meat-based soups, we’ve got you covered.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Roasted butternut squash soup is a perfect autumn soup that will warm you up and make your taste buds tingle. It’s also a great source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for a healthy immune system. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden brown.
2. In a large soup pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until soft.
3. Add the roasted squash, ginger, broth, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Lentil Soup

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which makes them a perfect ingredient for a healthy soup. This lentil soup recipe is packed full of vegetables and spices, and it’s sure to warm you up on a cold night.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
2. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Blend the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

3. Creamy Cauliflower Soup

This creamy cauliflower soup is a lighter take on a classic creamy soup. It’s packed full of vitamins and minerals and is low in calories. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
2. Add the cauliflower and broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
5. Add the almond milk or heavy cream to the pot and stir until combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

4. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s often associated with feeling better when sick. This recipe is a healthier take on the traditional soup and is perfect for cold winter days.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups wide egg noodles
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
2. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
6. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
7. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

5. Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for dipping grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe is a healthier version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
2. Add the cans of diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the flavors have melded together.
4. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
5. Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

These 5 healthy soup recipes are the perfect way to warm up on a cold night in while still staying healthy. With options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re looking for a cozy night in, try one of these delicious soup recipes. Your taste buds and your immune system will thank you.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy these recipes!