Soup is basically the definition of soul food—warm, filling, a bowl full of goodness. We could all use a bit of that right now. No matter what time of the year, I’ve got you covered with 12 awesome soups (recipe suggestions included) for any occasion. Which soup speaks to your soul?
January: Lentil Dahl
While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of "soup," this vegan Dahl is a creamy mixture of lentils, greens, veggies, aromatic spices and coconut milk certain to warm you up on a chilly winters eve. Serve with a side of rice and enjoy!
February: French Onion Soup
Another good one to warm your body and soul after a day playing in the snow, this broth-filled soup with caramelized onions topped with baguette slices and toasted cheese is sure to do the trick. Traditionally made with beef broth, make it vegetarian by using mushroom broth like in this recipe.
March: Chicken and Wild Rice
With wild rice, onions, carrots, celery, and chicken or mushrooms; this soup is hearty and will give you the energy you need to get through what is (in my opinion) the worst month of the year. Really March, what is it with all the snow-mud-ice-sleet-never ending cycle of bad weather?
April: Clam/Seafood Chowder
Stormy days full of April showers will bring water and food from the water your way. Slurp some hot chowd’a to warm up your bones after wet, windy April days.
May: Pho (Noodle Soup)
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that can come with many delicious toppings. Just image beef or tofu, mushrooms, rice noodles, carrots, peppers, and spices all floating in a tasty broth—yum!
June: Miso Soup
Make this Japanese miso soup recipe to start off the warmer months of the year! A traditional soup made with miso paste, seaweed, tofu and broth, this soup is often found accompanying sushi orders or other delicious Asian meals. Enjoy!
July: Gazpacho
This chilled vegetable soup is quite refreshing during the heat of midsummer. Try making this Spanish gazpacho with cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and spices. Chill and serve with croutons!
August: Tomato Bisque
What’s one great way to use all those wonderful summer tomatoes? Make this delicious tomato bisque! Smokier than your traditional tomato soup and much more creamy, bisque is a great addition for your late summer menu. Serve with fried green tomatoes if you have some green ones on hand, or make a grilled cheese with sliced tomatoes to go along with this lovely soup!
September: Carrot Ginger
A soup I’d never come across until recently, this one has fast become a favorite. I consider it a tasty hybrid between potato leek soup and classic tomato, with a creamy base but with more of that root-vegetable taste than your typical tomato. The ginger adds a nice kick which really elevates the dish.
October: Butternut Squash
Ahhh squash season could be my favorite season, and when there’s an excess of squash in the house soup is a great option to make sure there’s no food waste. I love topping butternut squash soup with roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds and throwing in some kale or agrula for extra greens and texture!
November: Broccoli Cheese
Ahh this soup makes me sad that I’m lactose intolerant. Definitely my favorite one to get off Panera’s menu, you can make your own version of broccoli cheese or cheddar soup with this copycat recipe. Don’t forget to shred the carrots, add a bunch of cheese, and serve with a side of bread! (Or in a bread bowl).
December: Vegetarian Bean Chili
Chili for a chilly season! There are so many possible recipes you can make, my favorite is probably this sweet potato black bean chili. Serve with diced avocado and garnish with cilantro. Other winners are three bean chili, spicy chili with bacon for the meat lovers, and vegan mushroom chili.
Which soup is your favorite? Comment below!