Soup Recipes to Try This Winter

As we nest and hibernate, or cocoon, we’re taking part in low impact activities that make a huge difference. One of the best ways to do that is to follow a soup recipe!

Not only are soups the best comfort food in the dead of winter when the temperatures drop, but they’re also a reminder that good things take time and are better from scratch. That’s because soups require loads of time and patience.

But the good thing is you can make a good, no great, soup two ways: on the stove, or in the crockpot. Both will lead delicious meals and a sense of pride in your creation. Here are a few soups that MPR has tried from Pinterest and have been a hit in her household.

1. Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
2. Crockpot Potato Soup
3. Creamy Corn Chowder
4. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
5. Vegetable Beef Soup
6. Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentil Stew

Another option would be to make a homemade veggie broth!!

This year, MPR challenged herself to be far less wasteful… or at least more mindful about her waste. One way to combat that is to repurpose all the vegetable peels + ends, and leftover scraps we each crate when cooking. Instead of throwing them into the landfill, we can use them to make a homemade veggie broth that also adds a ton of nutrients to your soups/meals.

Here’s a simple and effective way to make the most of those kitchen scraps:

1. Start a “scrap bag” which will just be a gallon sized Ziplock bag that you’ll keep in the freezer.
2. Every time you cook, pull out your scrap bag and keep it next to your prep station. Toss in whatever you don’t or can’t use.
3. Once your bag is full, add everything to a large stock pot. Pour in cool water, but don’t submerge. Leave 1/2 inch or so! veggies Next add flavor boosters like: seasonings, fresh herbs, a bouillon cube, mushrooms, etc
4. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 5 to 6 hours until its reduced to half. Then you’ll have a rich, flavorful homemade broth.

Not only is this filled with way more nutrients than anything you’ll find in the store, it’s a fantastic way to add depth and richness to your future soups/meals.