Stay Warm and Cozy with National Soup Month

There is something completely satisfying and comforting about a warm bowl of soup. With the temperatures dropping and the weather changing, it is no surprise that January is National Soup Month – the perfect time to create something delicious on the range stove.

Warming the body from the inside out, soup is that cozy food that everyone in the family can enjoy. And it is so easy to make, too, as a one-pot meal!

There are so many options to choose from. So grab your soup pot – we are talking all things soup today.

What Makes Soup So Amazing?

Although in modern times we celebrate National Soup Month, rumor has it that soup has been around for thousands of years. While we may not have likely found the first-ever broth to be so appetizing, soup has evolved over the years with different ingredients, spices, and flavors that come together to create all types of flavors.

But why do we love soup so much? What sets it apart from other foods? Perhaps it is all the benefits that it brings, including those of convenience and health.

Soup keeps you warm. On a cold day, sometimes it is just hard to warm up. No matter how many blankets or sweaters you put on, you just can’t shake the chill. But, do you know what can? Soup. Soup warms you up inside – where the blankets can’t reach. And it just feels good.

Soup is nourishing. Soups contain a lot of good ingredients all thrown together, often including a lot of vegetables. This means a lot of nutrients – including fiber – to keep you fuller longer. Plus, it is hydrating, too. You may want to pay attention to the sodium level, as it can be high in some pre-made soups.

Soup is versatile. Throw it together with what you have. While you certainly can follow a recipe, you don’t have to. You can grab the ingredients you have around the kitchen – maybe some leftover chicken and rice, carrots and celery that may be going limp, an onion, the end of your container of kale, etc. Put this in a pot with either broth or water with some bullion or other seasonings – and you’ve got a delicious, healthy soup.

Soup is Perfect for Meal Prep. Some things just don’t hold up well when reheated, but soup is not one of them. This is a meal that you can definitely prepare in advance for the week or even prep and freeze for a later date. It will always taste just as good as the first time.

Soup vs. Stew: What’s the Difference?

Soups and stews are very similar, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. Stews are often thicker than soups, with chunks of meat, vegetables, or other solid ingredients. They contain some liquid, but not enough to force you to use a spoon to eat them.

Soups, on the other hand, have ingredients that are in a broth – or are purely liquified.

The Best Ever Soup Recipes for National Soup Month

Lentil Soup

When using canned lentils, you can have this healthy, filling of Lentil Soup on the table in about 15 minutes. Filled with onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and, of course, lentils that you can feel good about indulging in.

Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a classic. Filled with chunky vegetables, sometimes including beans and/or noodles, this is a warming, hearty soup that everyone is sure to love. It is the perfect way to get in flavorful vegetables – without feeling like you are actually eating vegetables.

Ham and Bean Soup

For some families, keeping the hambone from the Christmas ham results in simmering it for hours to make ham and bean soup. For others, the taste is delicious, but who has time to wait? This soup brings the smokey, salty flavor into the soup using chunks of ham with the beans – without having to wait all day to eat.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

With all the viruses and sickness going around, there is something to be said about a warm bowl of classic chicken noodle soup. It warms the soul. Is it healing? Some truly believe that it is. Either way, it makes you feel comforted while eating it – and everyone loves that feeling.

Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you prefer a more zesty chicken soup, then Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup works great. It has the soft crunch from the tortilla, incredible flavors and spices in the broth, and so much more packed into this bowl.

White Bean Chicken Chili

There is something extra special about chili, whether you choose this white bean chicken chili or traditional chili. It is super hearty and extra warm for your insides. Just as chicken noodle goes with not feeling well, chili goes with cold days. This is a delicious recipe with chicken breast, cannellini beans, cheese, onion, jalapeno, and more. Topped with avocado, it is even next level.

Beef Barley Soup

Beef stock with barley and stew beef, along with onion and carrots, can give you yet another hearty, filling soup. The unique flavors come together in a way that sets Beef Barley Soup apart from other soups. And the beef is oh-so-tender. It’s sure to be a hit.

Simmer Your Soups on this Must-Have Range

Imagine walking into your kitchen and loving the space you are in. Grab some ingredients, put a pot of broth on the stovetop, and begin creating an amazing soup recipe. You can even put it on simmer and let it cook all day. It will fill your home with the most amazing aromas and make you feel warm and cozy inside.

THOR Kitchen offers a line of different types of ranges, including gas, electric, and dual fuel. As well as cooktops, too. And each comes with a lot of features you won’t want to miss – including the simmer function that will help your soups to stay warm until it is time to eat.

Well, it is about time to head into the kitchen to see what we can use from the refrigerator to create a nourishing, delicious soup. Vegetable? Chicken and wild rice? Beef barley? Yum. Something tells us you may do the same.

Happy National Soup Month!