When the cold weather arrives, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a bowl of warm, hearty soup or stew. These comforting dishes are perfect for chasing away the chill and satisfying your hunger with rich, flavorful ingredients. Whether you’re looking for something thick and creamy, or you prefer a spicy broth that warms you from the inside out, soups and stews are the ultimate comfort foods. Here are some of the best hearty soups and stews to make when temperatures start to drop.
1. Classic Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that’s perfect for using up leftover vegetables. Packed with carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and cabbage, this soup is a nutrient-rich powerhouse that’s full of flavor. The addition of kidney beans or cannellini beans provides extra protein and heartiness. Minestrone often includes small pasta or rice to make it even more filling. The rich tomato-based broth is seasoned with thyme, oregano, and bay leaves, making every spoonful incredibly aromatic. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for an ideal winter meal.
2. Spicy Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Moroccan chickpea stew is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines warming spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika. It features chickpeas, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and spinach, creating a rich and satisfying stew that’s both hearty and healthy. The addition of harissa paste adds a smoky spiciness that brings extra warmth, while a touch of lemon juice adds brightness to the rich flavors. This stew is perfect for those who crave a bit of spice during cold weather and pairs well with couscous or flatbread.
3. Creamy Potato and Leek Soup
Potato and leek soup is a classic choice for a creamy, comforting meal. The mild sweetness of leeks combined with the creaminess of potatoes creates a simple yet luxurious soup that’s incredibly satisfying. This soup is made by sautéing leeks, garlic, and onions in a bit of olive oil, then adding potatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme. Once the potatoes are tender, the soup is blended until smooth and creamy. A splash of plant-based cream or coconut milk adds richness, making it a perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening.
4. Hungarian Goulash
Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew that’s perfect for a cold winter day. This dish is rich in flavor, with onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes cooked in a paprika-infused broth. Traditionally, goulash contains beef, but the vegan version uses mushrooms or tempeh to add a meaty texture without the meat. The combination of smoked paprika, tomato paste, and caraway seeds creates a deep, smoky flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Serve this goulash over mashed potatoes or egg-free noodles to make it even heartier.
5. Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew
Butternut squash and lentil stew is a thick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall and winter. This stew combines cubes of butternut squash, green lentils, carrots, and onions, simmered in a spiced broth made with curry powder, ginger, and cumin. The sweetness of the squash balances perfectly with the earthy lentils and warming spices. The lentils provide plenty of protein, while the butternut squash adds creaminess to the dish. Serve this stew with a dollop of coconut yogurt and freshly chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
6. Mushroom Barley Soup
For those who crave something hearty and filling, mushroom barley soup is the answer. This rustic soup is made with pearl barley, which becomes tender and chewy as it cooks, adding an amazing texture to the dish. Mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery create a savory flavor base, while thyme and bay leaves add an earthy aroma. The mushrooms add a deep, umami flavor that makes the soup incredibly comforting. This dish is perfect for meal prep as it only gets better with time, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Spicy Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha)
Tom Kha is a traditional Thai coconut soup that’s both spicy and soothing. Made with coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, this soup is packed with aromatic flavors. The addition of tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables like red bell peppers adds heartiness, while lime juice and cilantro provide brightness. Tom Kha is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy, making it a comforting choice for those cold nights when you want something a little different. Serve it over jasmine rice to make it a full meal.
8. White Bean and Kale Soup
White bean and kale soup is a classic comfort dish that’s full of nourishing ingredients. Made with cannellini beans, kale, carrots, and celery, this soup is packed with fiber and protein. The base is a flavorful broth made with garlic, onions, and thyme, giving it a warm, homey taste. The beans add a creamy texture, while the kale provides a healthy dose of leafy greens. This soup pairs beautifully with a thick slice of toasted sourdough bread for a simple but satisfying winter dinner.
9. West African Peanut Stew
West African peanut stew is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for those who love a bit of spice and creaminess. This stew features sweet potatoes, chickpeas, collard greens, and peanut butter, creating a luscious and satisfying texture. The addition of ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper adds warmth and depth, while the peanut butter gives the stew a creamy, nutty flavor. This dish is both comforting and full of bold flavors, making it an ideal option for a cold winter evening. Serve it with rice or quinoa to make it even more filling.
10. Italian Ribollita
Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup that’s thickened with day-old bread, giving it a hearty, stew-like consistency. This dish features cannellini beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, all cooked together to create a thick, flavorful soup. The bread soaks up the rich tomato broth, making every bite filling and satisfying. Ribollita is the epitome of rustic comfort food, making it perfect for chilly nights when you need a nourishing meal to warm you up.
11. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
Black bean and sweet potato chili is a vegan twist on a classic chili that’s perfect for cold days. Black beans, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and corn come together in a spicy, smoky broth made with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that balances the heat of the spices, while the black beans provide plenty of protein and fiber. This chili is best enjoyed with a dollop of guacamole or vegan sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
12. French Onion Soup (Vegan Version)
French onion soup is traditionally made with beef broth, but this vegan version is every bit as rich and satisfying. Made with caramelized onions slowly cooked until golden and sweet, this soup is then deglazed with white wine and simmered with vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaves. The key to a great French onion soup is the topping—crusty baguette slices topped with melted vegan cheese. This comforting and savory soup is perfect for a cold winter day, offering depth of flavor and a touch of elegance.
13. Lentil and Spinach Dal
Lentil and spinach dal is a classic Indian dish that’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. Made with red lentils cooked in a blend of turmeric, cumin, garlic, ginger, and garam masala, this dal is rich, creamy, and full of warming spices. The addition of fresh spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrients. Dal is perfect when served with basmati rice or naan bread, and it’s an ideal dish to make in large batches for meal prep.
14. Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a comforting classic that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for cold days. Made with green split peas, carrots, celery, and potatoes, this thick soup is slow-cooked until the peas break down and create a creamy texture. Flavored with smoked paprika and thyme, this soup has a rich, smoky taste that’s both hearty and wholesome. Split pea soup is satisfying enough to be a complete meal on its own, especially when paired with a slice of crusty bread.
These hearty soups and stews are perfect companions for cold days, offering warmth, comfort, and nourishment. Whether you prefer something creamy, spicy, or packed with veggies, these recipes are sure to keep you cozy and satisfied during the chilly months.
