Summer is definitely over! The occasionally warm days have clearly come to an end and the cool temperatures have set in. This unpredictable time of year usually brings on cold, damp, and dreary days where one doesn’t even want to leave the house. Which makes Fall & early Winter the perfect opportunity to make warm and comforting soup.

Soup, stew, chowder, and gumbo all have a seemingly magical quality – to comfort, sooth, warm, and even help heal – a person from the inside! When prepared with the right ingredients, soup can be incredible healthy! Here is a roundup of some truly consoling and supper yummy-looking soups.

Basic Chicken Soup

Nothing is more comforting than a steaming bowl of chicken soup. Loaded with healthy veggies and a rich a flavourful broth – chicken soup is anything but basic. Did you know that ingredients in most chicken soup recipes have very helpful healing properties? Check it out!

• Onions, garlic, and chicken are said to contain properties that help reduce inflammation.
• The ingredients above can also assist with upper respiratory issues and can help relieve nasal congestion.
• Added vegetables, such as carrots, produce key vitamins which can aid in fighting off some infections.
• Simple soup broth keeps the prevents dehydration, thins mucus, and helps to sooth a sore throat.

Like Goulash? Check out my recipe here.

Rich & Hearty Gumbo

The roots and origin of gumbo run deep in Louisiana and is actually the state’s official dish. Gumbo usually consists of a thick and strongly flavoured base and is loaded with meat, shellfish, and the “holy trinity” – celery, carrots, and bell peppers. Though I’ve never made it myself, it looks amazingly delicious! One can practically smell the aroma through the screen here!

Stick-to-your-ribs Broccoli & Cheese Soup

Cream soups are one of my absolute favourites! Hands down, nothing beats the luscious creamy (& often cheesy) base and all the nourishing chunks of meat and veggies! Mind you, this type of soup is certainly not as healthy. But, without a doubt, there can be healthful ingredients thrown in.

Veggies & Noodles

A soup such as this is super appetizing – and also super filling! Tortellini usually contains some sort of meat or cheese (or both) which makes a simple vegetable soup a complete meal in itself. Check out Lynn Mumbing Mejia’s Youtube channel! She has some amazing recipe and home decor videos!

Classic Beef Stew

Nothing beats a classic beef stew! A thick and rich base – packed with flavour and loaded with with vegetables and juicy chunks of beef. When we make beef stew at home, I swear, it’s never the same twice! We change out the veggies, using sweet potato or turnip on occasion, and try different stock seasonings. Best served with fresh sour dough bread!

Hungry yet? I bet a warm and comforting soup is on the menu for this week, right?!

Can’t blame you one bit! We had a delicious and heart chicken stew last night and it really hit the spot. Drop a comment with what soup or stew you decided to make. I’d love some new and creative suggestions for spicing up our stew and chowder recipes!