It's time to start eating for warmth, and what better way to do so than to fill up on nourishing soups and stews? There is something intuitive about eating supple vegetables, cooked in warming broths alongside tender meat. It's primal as it is necessary, especially while we move towards the winter solstice. Soups and stews are, naturally, the most obvious choice for winter eating because they give so much. Generous in both quantities and nutrition, the purity of a good winter soup is hard to match. Below, we round up some of our favourite and absolutely easy (five steps, maximum, we promise) winter soups and stew recipes.
Cock-a-leekie Soup
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An easy and tasty soup with a lot of benefits and minimal ingredients. Leeks, a whole chicken, prunes and broth come together to offer a hearty and simple dinner option.
Porcini and Pancetta Minestra
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Julia Busuttil Nishimura is a master at comfort food, and this simple, hearty soup from her book, Good Cooking Every Day, is a prime example. You can also omit the pancetta, and swap out chicken stock for vegetable, for a vegetarian option that's just as delicious.
Miso Beef and Black Garlic Ramen
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Is there anything more satisfying than a hearty broth spiced with ginger, garlic, soy and a smattering of chilli? Throw in crispy fried eggs and perfectly seasoned beef, and you have the perfect meal, if you ask us.
Spicy Tomato Soup with Lentils and Fennel
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Alison Roman describes this soup recipe as "no blender, pantry staples, tangy, life affirming," and really, that's all we need to hear. Why not toast up a crispy toasted cheese sandwich as the ultimate accompaniment?
Stewed Chickpeas with Fennel, Herbs, and Lemony Yogurt
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While not technically a stew, if you save a little bean broth, you can easily turn this rich dish into a sort-of-soup. Citrusy, fresh, creamy and aromatic, it's all there. Even better, this recipe utilises the kinds of things you'd already have in the pantry or fridge, meaning it's perfect for throwing together at a moment's notice.
Simple Autumn Soup
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Leaving this here with notes on soup from Frederik Bille Brahe, "The days are getting shorter and the nights wetter and colder. Here, in Copenhagen the change of season is distinct - the leaves are getting red and yellow and the air is damp - mornings are dark when I wake up and I’m already missing the light. This change of season calls for healthy and nourishing food like kale, carrots, spices and not least pumpkin to keep us vital."
Softened Greens
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Also not a soup or stew, but an honourable mention for the winter greens that often get overlooked. An opportunity to pad out our diets with some essential roughage, these greens are gently sautéed with garlic and plenty of olive oil for optimal eating.
Curried Coconut Laksa
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Don't let the name intimidate you. This laksa recipe is as simple as it is delicious. The addition of asparagus brings a welcome unexpected flavour, while gyoza (the recipe calls for store-bought, but you can make your own if you feel so inclined) go a long way on the heartiness front.
