Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup
A timeless classic, this creamy tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich. Using canned tomatoes makes this a quick and easy option for any night of the week. Heat a little olive oil or butter in a large
pot over medium heat and sauté a chopped medium onion until soft, which takes about 8 minutes. Add a minced clove of garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in a large can (about 28 ounces) of crushed or whole tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Add three cups of chicken or vegetable broth, season with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavours meld. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. Stir in about a half-cup of heavy cream and some fresh, torn basil leaves. Let it warm through and serve immediately.
Hearty Red Lentil Soup
Packed with protein and fibre, this red lentil soup is both nourishing and incredibly simple to make. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a pot and sautéing a chopped onion, a couple of chopped carrots, and some minced garlic until softened. Add a teaspoon of cumin, a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika, and stir for a minute until fragrant. Rinse one cup of red lentils and add them to the pot along with four cups of vegetable broth and a can of diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have started to break down. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up all the flavours. For a creamier consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Simple Potato and Leek Soup
This soup feels elegant and sophisticated but is deceptively easy to prepare. The key is to properly clean the leeks by trimming the dark green tops and roots, slicing them lengthwise, and rinsing them well to remove any grit. In a large pot, melt two tablespoons of butter and gently cook about three chopped leeks until they are very soft but not browned, which should take around 10 minutes. Add about two pounds of peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold works well), four cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it's silky smooth. Finish by stirring in a splash of cream or milk for extra richness.
Quick and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
When you need a bowl of comfort, nothing beats chicken noodle soup. This version comes together quickly by using pre-cooked chicken. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté a cup each of chopped carrots, celery, and onion until they begin to soften. Add a couple of minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. Pour in about eight cups of chicken stock, add a bay leaf, and bring it to a simmer. Add about three cups of shredded, cooked chicken and a cup of egg noodles. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are cooked through. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley for a bit of brightness.
30-Minute Black Bean Soup
This hearty and flavourful soup is a fantastic weeknight meal that relies on pantry staples. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté a diced onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in three to four cups of vegetable broth, a can of crushed tomatoes, and three cans of rinsed and drained black beans. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. For a creamier texture while still retaining some whole beans, blend about two cups of the soup until smooth and then stir it back into the pot. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and serve with your favourite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
