Celebrate National Soup Month: 5 Delicious Soup Recipes

By Caitlin Seida

Did you know January is National Soup Month? I didn't, but it definitely makes sense. One of the coldest months of the year here in the northern hemisphere, January is chilly enough to bring me to my knees and beg for my mama (or at least more sweaters!). Soup is one of those things that just hits the spot after a long day of trudging through the snow, fighting off biting winds or - if you prefer - lounging on the couch under a pile of blankets.

Why not try out one of these stellar soup recipes to celebrate the month and make your taste buds happy?

Italian Wedding Soup

Photo by Liz at ThinkLiz

My family is Sicilian and this soup has been a staple of our winter diets for as long as I can remember. In fact, it's one of the few things my mom cooks, so it's extra special to me (my father usually does most of the cooking in the household!). I usually omit the scrambled egg, although it does lend a little extra protein to this already hearty powerhouse of liquid nutrition.

Check out the recipe by Liz over at ThinkLiz. 

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Photo by Yammie at Yammie's Noshery

I'm not going to lie - broccoli and cheese are two of my favorite foods. Combining them into one soup-er (see what I did there?) meal makes me happier than a pig in mud. It's not healthy - not even remotely, unless you count the fact that broccoli is a wonder vegetable, but this thick and creamy soup hits the spot on a cold winter's day.

Check out the recipe for this tasty Panera Bread version over at Yammie's Noshery. 

Vegetable Soup

Photo by Dawnelle at Will There Be Food There?

One of the best things about soup is that it's adaptable. If you have potatoes and no onions? No problem. Throw 'em in. If you've got leftover squash, zucchini and an eggplant? You've got a soup waiting to be cooked. Vegetable soup is a great way to pack your macro- and micro-nutrients into one hot, healthy meal.

Check out this simple recipe from Dawnelle over at Will There Be Food There?

Vegan Lentil and Butternut Squash Soup

Photo from the Ethical Deal Blog

Can't leave our vegan friends hanging, now can we? As I move toward a more plant-based diet, I'm finding myself eating a lot more soup. This quick and easy soup - almost thick enough to be a stew - is soothing on the throat. Perfect if you've got a bout of winter illness nipping at your heels. The thyme lends a little bit of pep to the otherwise earthy flavor of this recipe and may protect your respiratory system.

Check out this recipe by registered holistic nutritionist Genevieve Blanchet over at the Ethical Deal Blog.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat 

Photo by Reeni at Cinnamon, Spice and Everything Nice

Am I the only one who could eat Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup by the gallon? Seriously - they have to be putting unicorn hair and fairy farts into this stuff. But no - it's addictive. The little potato pastas (gnocchi) are delicious and melt on your tongue. The creamy soup base is thick enough to make this soup an entire meal in and of itself and the chicken lends a nice, meaty flavor to the dish. I won't even make any pretense that this dish is healthy, but it's great for a January treat.

Check out this super simple Olive Garden copycat recipe by Reeni Pisano over at Cinnamon, Spice And Everything Nice.

She gets bonus "easy prep" points for using refrigerated gnocchi, though there's something to be said for making your own - if you're so inclined, a basic gnocchi recipe can be found here at 101 Cookbooks.  Note that I said "basic" and not "easy" - gnocchi making is NOT for the faint of heart! 

What's your favorite type of soup? Do you have a recipe to share with us? Let us know in the comments below!