35 Soups to Crush Your Cold

A World of Soup: From Classic Comforts to Global Flavors

Soup is more than just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl. Whether you're battling a cold, seeking comfort on a chilly day, or simply craving a delicious and nutritious meal, there's a soup out there for you. Here's a look at a diverse collection of soup recipes, ranging from familiar favorites to globally inspired creations.

Classic Comfort Soups

• Chicken Noodle Soup: This timeless remedy is a go-to for a reason. A hearty broth, tender chicken, and comforting noodles create a soothing and nourishing experience. One recipe highlights the importance of homemade chicken noodle soup during cold weather, emphasizing its devoted following. A serving (1-1/3 cups) contains approximately 239 calories, 12g fat, 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate, and 18g protein.

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Elevate the classic with a richer, creamier version. This recipe is perfect for those seeking extra comfort and indulgence. One creator shared that it was given to her after the birth of her son, and she now shares it with other new mothers. A cup contains about 218 calories, 9g fat, 67mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate, and 15g protein.

• Split Pea Soup: This old-fashioned favorite is both economical and satisfying. The subtle flavor of split peas is beautifully accented by carrots, celery, and onion, while a ham bone adds a meaty depth. This hearty soup is perfect for chasing away the autumn chill. A cup contains roughly 202 calories, 3g fat, 11mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate, and 14g protein.

Hearty and Flavorful Soups

• Pasta Fagioli Soup: A hearty Italian classic, this soup is so satisfying that one person's husband stopped ordering it at restaurants, preferring the homemade version. It’s easy to make and substantial enough for a full dinner. A 1-1/3 cup serving provides approximately 228 calories, 7g fat, 29mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate, and 16g protein.

• Italian Veggie Beef Soup: This chunky soup is a perfect get-well meal. One person shared that their father-in-law would bring this soup when they were feeling under the weather, and they now pass on the tradition to their own friends. A 1-1/3 cup serving contains about 159 calories, 5g fat, 38mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate, and 15g protein.

• Beef Lentil Soup: This soup is a hearty and satisfying main course, especially on cold winter evenings. A steaming mugful in front of a fireplace sounds incredibly appealing. A cup provides approximately 314 calories, 8g fat, 47mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate, and 27g protein.

• Beef Vegetable Soup: This nicely seasoned soup is incredibly convenient, simmering all day in a slow cooker. A 1-1/3 cup serving contains roughly 217 calories, 6g fat, 40mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate, and 15g protein.

• Great Northern Bean Stew: A thick and hearty stew featuring great northern beans, perfect for warding off winter chills. A cup contains approximately 274 calories, 15g fat, 27mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate, and 11g protein.

• Bean Counter Chowder: A vegetarian dish loaded with beans, noodles, and bright herbs, offering comfort on a chilly day. A cup contains approximately 196 calories, 3g fat, 2mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, and 10g protein.

• The South in a Pot Soup: This soup evokes childhood memories, simmered together in one tasty pot. A 1-1/4 cup serving contains approximately 267 calories, 9g fat, 55mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate, and 22g protein.

• Spinach Beef Soup: A beefy soup that's perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve with Parmesan cheese and saltines for a complete and satisfying experience. A 1-1/3 cup serving contains approximately 258 calories, 7g fat, 40mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate, and 17g protein.

• Meaty Mushroom Chili: A bean-free chili featuring mushrooms as a flavorful alternative to beans. A cup contains approximately 364 calories, 23g fat, 71mg cholesterol, 1189mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate, and 21g protein.

Globally Inspired Soups

• Lemony Turkey Rice Soup: A unique twist on turkey soup with the addition of lemon and cilantro, inspired by time spent cooking with a grandmother in Texas. A cup contains approximately 166 calories, 4g fat, 42mg cholesterol, 1047mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate, and 13g protein.

• Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo: A simple and effortless soup that transforms basic ingredients into a creamy, one-pot wonder. A cup contains approximately 299 calories, 8g fat, 0 cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate, and 11g protein.

• Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup with Bok Choy: A warm and flavorful soup that's perfect for laid-back weekends or packed in a thermos for lunch. A 1-1/3 cup serving contains approximately 147 calories, 7g fat, 65mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate, and 10g protein.

• Coconut Curry Soup: Similar to Vietnamese pho, this red coconut curry chicken soup packs a punch of flavor and a bit of heat, cooled down by crisp raw vegetables. A serving contains approximately 601 calories, 34g fat, 65mg cholesterol, 1722mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate, and 27g protein.

• Pozole: A spicy stew-like soup traditionally served in New Mexico during the holidays, celebrating life's blessings. A 1-1/4 cup serving contains approximately 333 calories, 11g fat, 68mg cholesterol, 1588mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate, and 27g protein.

• French Onion Soup with Meatballs: A unique twist on classic French onion soup, inspired by a brewhouse restaurant that used ale in their gravy. A 1-1/2 cup serving contains approximately 403 calories, 26g fat, 67mg cholesterol, 1760mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate, and 22g protein.

• Maryland Crab Soup: A hearty soup that combines the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab, often served with saltine crackers and a cold beer. A 1-1/2 cup serving contains approximately 202 calories, 1g fat, 55mg cholesterol, 1111mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate, and 15g protein.

• Curried Chicken Corn Chowder: A slimmer version of a childhood favorite, this chowder is both comforting and flavorful. A cup contains approximately 229 calories, 4g fat, 45mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate, and 22g protein.

Vegetarian Delights

• Carrot Ginger Soup: A light, flavorful, and vegan soup made with pantry staples, always impressing with its fresh ginger flavor. A 3/4 cup serving contains approximately 80 calories, 4g fat, 0 cholesterol, 551mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate, and 1g protein.

• Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup: Inspired by Indian pakoras, this soup uses classic spices and cauliflower for a healthier cooking technique. A 1-1/2 cup serving contains approximately 135 calories, 1g fat, 0 cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate, and 4g protein.

• Vegetable Lentil Soup: A healthy slow-cooker soup perfect for vegetarians and those watching their weight, featuring butternut squash, lentils, herbs, and other vegetables. A 1-1/3 cup serving contains approximately 217 calories, 1g fat, 0 cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate, and 11g protein.

• Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup: Roasting sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips brings out their best features in this warm and healthy soup. A 1-1/3 cup serving contains approximately 240 calories, 6g fat, 6mg cholesterol, 1251mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate, and 6g protein.

• Butternut Squash Apple Soup: A velvety, rich, and slightly sweet soup that brightens blustery days with its sunny color. A cup contains approximately 172 calories, 4g fat, 15mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, and 4g protein.

• Arborio Rice and White Bean Soup: A hearty and satisfying soup with arborio rice that's low in fat and comes together quickly. A 1-3/4 cup serving contains approximately 303 calories, 4g fat, 0 cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate, and 9g protein.

• Creamy Sweet Potato and Veggie Soup: A restaurant-inspired soup that's even better than the original, featuring a blend of sweet potatoes and other vegetables. A cup contains approximately 137 calories, 6g fat, 25mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate, and 4g protein.

• Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup: A rich and hearty soup frequently requested at family gatherings. Substitute vegetable stock for beef broth for a vegetarian option. A cup contains approximately 399 calories, 26g fat, 84mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate, and 8g protein.

• White Bean Soup with Escarole: A simple and healthy soup made with pantry staples. Fresh spinach can be substituted for escarole. A cup with cheese contains approximately 174 calories, 3g fat, 2mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate, and 9g protein.

Quick and Easy Soups

• Spinach Tortellini Soup: A simple tomato-enhanced broth perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach, ready in just 20 minutes. A 1-1/3 cup serving contains approximately 164 calories, 5g fat, 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate, and 7g protein.

• Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup: A quick and tasty soup that's rich and creamy, ready in minutes. A 1-1/2 cup serving contains approximately 586 calories, 26g fat, 158mg cholesterol, 1650mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate, and 31g protein.

Soups to Soothe a Cold

When you're feeling under the weather, certain ingredients can help ease your symptoms. Chicken, garlic, onions, carrots, ginger, and leafy greens are excellent choices. Ginger may help reduce nausea and soothe a sore throat, while vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and onions are full of antioxidants and vitamin C.

Tips for Making Soup Ahead:

Soups with lentils, barley, and sturdy root vegetables are perfect for make-ahead meals. If making a big batch of pasta soup, wait to add the pasta until heating individual servings to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Consider making extra batches of soups that freeze well to have on hand for the next time a cold strikes.

Vegetarian Adaptations:

Many soup recipes can be made vegetarian without sacrificing warmth or nutrition. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, swap meat for beans, lentils, or tofu, and add miso paste, vinegar, lemon juice, or soy sauce for seasoning.