Cooler weather seems to have finally settled over our community, and cool weather makes me want to sit down to a warm bowl of soup, stew, or chili after a long day at work.    If you’re not a vegetarian, and you want to add a little extra nutritional punch, as well as extra flavor, to your homemade soup recipes, consider whipping up some homemade bone broth to use as a base for your soups.   I try to make some bone broth whenever we’ve had meat on the bone like chicken, turkey, or ham. Homemade broth can be frozen for later use, too.

Soups are nutritious and satisfying, and homemade soups are especially good for you because they don’t contain artificial ingredients, chemicals, or high levels of sodium.  There’s even evidence that adding more soup to your diet may help you to lose weight due to the lower calorie density in soup compared to other foods.  Who doesn’t love a good bowl of soup?

Actually, I know someone who doesn’t love a good bowl of soup. That person is my husband. You know him as Baker’s Man. He has never been a fan of soup, but I have won him over, a bit. If you have someone in your life who isn’t a big fan of soup, you might want to check out this list of five man pleasing soups. All of these are Baker’s Man approved, and that approval was not easy to get.

Here are five of my favorite soup recipes for Fall.

Albondigas Soup

This recipe is a delicious combination of garlic, herbs, and vegetables.  The meatballs, made with uncooked rice, herbs, and an egg, require no pre-cooking.  You simply drop them into the pot of boiling soup.  Served by itself or accompanied by some warm tortillas, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Chicken Enchilada Soup with Black Beans and Corn

A version of chicken soup is present in every culture.  This chicken enchilada soup with black beans and corn is a simple, yet delicious recipe. This soup gets a nutritional boost by the addition of pumpkin puree. This also helps thicken the soup and gives it more body. This soup can be taken to a new level by topping it with tortilla chips and shredded cheese.

Gluten Free Minestrone

Minestrone is one of those soups that is loaded with rich flavors.  This hearty soup is also vegan and gluten free.  Served by itself, with a salad, or a crusty piece of warm bread (Gluten free bread is great, too.) this soup makes a delicious and healthy meal that your family is sure to love.

Simple Split Pea Soup

Some people can’t get past the green color of pea soup, and refuse to eat it. If you’re one of those people, you’re truly missing out on something delicious.  This vegan soup is loaded with nutrients, protein, and dietary fiber.  It’s hearty and filling and the perfect bowl of soup for a cold day.  If you are trying to get your kids to eat this soup and they don’t like green foods,  consider using yellow peas instead of green ones.  Sometimes the change of color is all it takes to entice kids to give it a try.

Tomato Soup with Lentils

Tomato soup has been a favorite since I was a kid, and I still keep a few cans in my pantry, but nothing compares to the flavor of a fresh, homemade soup.  This version has the benefit of extra protein due to the addition of the lentils.  The best thing about this vegan soup is that the children who served as taste testers unanimously liked it.  It’s delicious when topped with a dollop of creme fraiche. 

That concludes our list of five favorite soup recipes for Fall. Give one, or all of them a try to help you stay warm and healthy this Fall and Winter. Which one of these soups looks the best to you? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Thanks for visiting Patty Cake’s Pantry.