In a  YouGov survey in 2011 Tomato soup was voted the nation’s favourite soup (37%). Potato and leek came second (17%)  with Chicken a close third (16%).

Five others that made the list were: Carrot & coriander classic (13%), mushroom (12%), Pea & ham, broccoli & stilton and French onion all received 10% of the vote.

And although tomato and potato and leek were the clear favourites Scotland bucked the trend with its next choice, putting lentil soup on 27% – making it around four times more popular here than in the rest of the UK regions.

Butternut Squash Soup

 

This cosy autumn soup offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavours in every spoonful.

 

Butternut squash and lime soup is a vibrant, velvety puree that combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with a bright pop of citrus from fresh lime juice.

 

Warm spices like ginger, coriander, and cinnamon add depth of flavour.

 

The soup is typically made creamy by blending in coconut milk or butter and garnished with fresh herbs like basil.

 

Try the Butternut squash and lime soup 

 

Tomato Soup

 

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food. A silky purée of ripe tomatoes simmered with aromatics like onions and garlic.

 

Its bright, tangy-sweet flavour is balanced by a touch of cream or butter for richness.

 

Garnished with herbs like basil or accompanied by a grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup warms the soul with its smooth, vibrant taste and cosy nostalgia.

 

Try the 10-minute tomato soup

 

Celery Soup

 

Celery soup is a creamy and comforting blend of sautéed onions, garlic, fresh celery, potatoes, and parsley simmered in vegetable stock.

 

The soup is puréed until smooth using an immersion blender, creating a velvety texture.

 

Seasoned with just salt and pepper, the simple flavours of the vegetables shine through.

 

Garnished with croutons, fresh herbs, or a dollop of cream for added richness this is a delightful option for a warm, nourishing meal on a chilly day or as a starter course.

 

Broccoli and Stilton Soup

 

A creamy and indulgent soup that combines the earthy flavours of broccoli with the tangy, robust taste of stilton cheese.

 

Sautéd onions, celery, and potatoes, simmered with broccoli and vegetable stock.

 

The cooked vegetables are blended until smooth, and crumbled stilton is folded in, melting into the velvety soup.

 

Subtle spices like nutmeg may be added for depth.

 

The result is a velvety, decadent soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal or elegant starter, showcasing the delightful pairing of broccoli and the distinctive blue cheese.

Ever considered a soup maker?

Its not a kitchen essential but soup makers can significantly reduce time, stress, and clean-up.

Traditional soup recipes involve multiple steps, from chopping to long simmering and blending, which can be time-consuming and messy.

Soup makers streamline the entire process, making it much easier. And they’re not limited to just soups.

Many models can also prepare smoothies, cold drinks, batters, dips, sauces, and even baby food, making them a versatile investment that can be used for a variety of culinary tasks.

Here are the best-of-the-best, the highest rated most reviewed, soup makers on Amazon right now.

 

 

Carrot & Parsnip Soup

 

Mary Berry’s carrot and parsnip soup is a simple yet flavourful blend of carrots, parsnips, onions, and garlic simmered in vegetable or chicken stock.

 

It’s a creamy, comforting soup that highlights the natural sweetness of the root vegetables.

 

The recipe typically calls for olive oil, salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency.

 

This classic British soup is a warm and nourishing option for a light meal or starter

 

Leek & Potato Soup

 

Leek and potato soup is a creamy, comforting classic.

 

Sliced leeks sautéed in butter until sweet, diced potatoes, and vegetable or chicken stock.

 

The mixture is simmered until the potatoes are tender, then just partially blended for a combination of smooth texture with some chunks remaining for heartiness.

 

Seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes cream, it’s a simple yet deeply satisfying soup.

Or make soup in a slow cooker?

Slow cookers are a game-changer for anyone looking to create delicious, hearty meals with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to the mouth-watering aroma of a perfectly cooked stew, curry, or casserole, all prepared while you were out.

These versatile appliances not only save you time and energy but also enhance the flavours of your dishes by slow-cooking them to perfection.

With features like programmable timers, keep-warm functions, and dishwasher-safe parts, modern slow cookers make meal prep a breeze.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or just someone who loves good food, investing in a high-quality slow cooker can transform your cooking experience.

Here are the best-of-the-best, the highest rated,  most reviewed slow cookers right now.

 

 

Chicken Soup

 

Chicken soup is known for its soothing qualities, making it a popular choice for cold weather or when feeling unwell. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customised to suit different tastes.

 

The base typically includes a whole chicken or chicken pieces, which add depth of flavour and richness.

 

Common vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions enhance the soup’s taste and nutritional value.

 

Variations can include noodles, rice, or other grains, and additional herbs or spices for extra flavour.

 

 

French Onion Soup

 

French Onion Soup is a rich, savory soup made by slowly caramelizing onions until they are deeply browned and sweet, then simmering them in beef or chicken broth.

 

It’s topped with crispy croutons and melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese that forms a delicious cheesy crust.

 

The caramelized onions provide an incredible depth of flavour that makes this classic French soup utterly comforting and delicious.

 

 

Spiced Carrot & Lentil

 

Spiced Carrot & Lentil soup is a vibrant, nourishing blend of sweet carrots, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and chili.

 

This soup has a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavours, with a creamy texture from blending the cooked vegetables and lentils.

 

It’s a comforting, nutrient-dense vegetarian soup that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days.

 

Pumpkin Soup

 

Pumpkin soup is a smooth, creamy puree made from roasted pumpkin or squash blended with broth and seasonings like onions, garlic, and warm spices.

 

Its naturally sweet and earthy flavour is complemented by savoury notes.

 

Garnished with cream, and cress or croutons, this warming autumn soup offers a delightful balance of flavours in each spoonful.

 

Vegetable Soup

 

Vegetable soup is a comforting and wholesome meal that can be tailored to personal preferences or seasonal produce.

 

Its nourishing and versatile dish that combines an array of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, along with herbs and seasonings.

 

The vegetables can be diced, sliced, or pureed, creating a range of textures from chunky to smooth.

 

With endless possibilities for customization, vegetable soup is a comforting, wholesome and classic dish.

 

Red Lentil & Bacon Soup

 

Red Lentil & Bacon Soup is a hearty, smoky and flavourful soup made with red lentils, smoked bacon, vegetables like onions, carrots and celery, and seasoned with herbs.

 

The lentils provide a creamy texture while the bacon adds a savoury, salty richness.

 

It’s a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal that can be made easily and quickly.

 

Cullen Skink

 

Cullen Skink is a thick, creamy Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream.

 

Originating from the town of Cullen, it has a rich, smoky flavour from the undyed smoked fish.

 

The potatoes are sometimes mashed to create an even heartier, chowder-like texture.

 

This comforting, traditional dish exemplifies the simple but delicious coastal cuisine of northeastern Scotland.

 

Minestrone Soup

 

Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup made with a tomato-based broth, beans, pasta or rice along with a variety of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, celery, and greens.

 

It’s a hearty, nutritious soup that can be customized with different veggies and herbs.

 

The combination of vegetables, beans, and small pasta shapes makes it a filling yet brightly flavoured meal in a bowl.

 

 

Since soups are primarily liquid, they’re an excellent way to stay hydrated and feel full. They also boost your immune system, helping to fend off colds and flu, and serve as a comforting remedy when you’re under the weather. Most soups are packed with disease-fighting nutrients.

Why Eat Soup?

They’re Good for You: While some soups, especially cream-based ones, can be high in fat and calories, most soups are a fantastic way to meet your daily vegetable intake. Soups allow you to make the most of seasonal produce like pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots, and parsnips, which retain their texture and flavor when cooked. If you have vegetables nearing their expiration, adding them to a soup can give them new life. You can even toss frozen vegetables into boiling broth without compromising taste or texture.

They’re Inexpensive and Easy to Prepare: Soups and stews require minimal hands-on time. Using a soup maker or a slow cooker, you can prepare a delicious heart-warming soup in just five minutes and let the appliance do the rest. By increasing the liquid and vegetable content, you can use smaller amounts of expensive ingredients like chicken, fish, and beef. Pair your soup with whole-grain bread and a small salad for a complete meal.

They Boost Your Immune System: The nutrients in soups can help strengthen your immune system, making you more resilient to illnesses.

They Keep You Hydrated: During the winter, it’s easy to drink less than you need. Even though you may not be hot and sweaty, you still lose fluids through daily activities. Soups, being mostly liquid, help keep you hydrated and full.

They Freeze Well: Soups and stews are perfect for meal prepping. Make a batch over the weekend and freeze half for later. This way, you’ll always have healthy, homemade soup ready when you’re busy, feeling unwell, or too tired to cook.

Storing Soup

The simplest way to store soups and stews for a few days is in the fridge. Transfer the soup to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate it within two hours.

Can You Freeze Soup?

  • Avoid freezing soups with starchy elements like rice, quinoa, or pasta. Freeze the broth separately and add the starch when reheating.
  • Sweet potato soups freeze well, but potato soups can become gummy.
  • Cream- and milk-based soups may separate and become grainy. Whisking or blending them post-thaw can help re-emulsify the liquid. Soups made with coconut milk freeze and thaw well.
  • If the recipe calls for fresh herbs at the end, freeze the soup without them and add the herbs when reheating.
  • Freeze soups the day you prepare them. Properly stored, soup can last up to three months in the freezer, but it will be less fresh over time. Ice formation can dilute flavors, creating water in the soup when thawed.

Can You Get Freezer Bags for Soup?

Yes, freezer bags are available and are a convenient option for storing soup. They save space and make it easy to portion out servings.

Check out a wide range of Zip Storage freezer bags on Amazon. The Lakeland Soup ‘n’ Sauce Sealed Freezer Storage Bags are particularly well rated with over 1,700 ratings and 4.5