Cozy nights are made for a warm, comforting bowl of broth soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a pick-me-up, there’s nothing quite like a rich and satisfying bowl of goodness to lift your spirits. And the best part? Broth soups are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize with your favorite ingredients and flavors.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious broth soup recipes to help you make it through those chilly winter nights (or any time you need a comforting meal). From classic chicken noodle to spicy Thai coconut, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a fan of creamy or clear broths, meaty or vegetarian options, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get started with our first 5 recipes…
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any time of the year. This classic recipe is a staple in many households, and with good reason – it’s easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup noodles (such as egg noodles or rice noodles)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the noodles and thyme to the pot, and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Vegetable Broth Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or when you need a pick-me-up, this Beef and Vegetable Broth Soup is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef bones (such as short ribs or neck bones)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add beef bones and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Miso Soup with Tofu and Seaweed
This classic Japanese soup is a comforting and nutritious meal option that’s easy to make. With the savory flavors of miso, tender tofu, and crunchy seaweed, this recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 1 sheet of wakame seaweed, rinsed and drained
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, combine dashi broth and miso paste. Whisk until the miso is fully dissolved.
2. Add tofu, seaweed, soy sauce, and ginger to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the seaweed has rehydrated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with thinly sliced scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Thai Coconut Broth Soup
A flavorful and spicy soup that combines the richness of coconut milk with the bold flavors of Thailand. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, coconut milk, curry paste, onion, garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until they are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup
Brighten up a chilly day with this refreshing and flavorful Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the cooked orzo. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the garlic mixture to the orzo and stir to combine.
5. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
French Onion Soup with Gruyère
A rich and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cozy evening, this classic recipe combines caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients:
– 3 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 slices of baguette
– 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add olive oil and cook onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
3. Add beef broth, wine (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat broiler.
5. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
6. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp
Tom Yum soup is a classic Thai dish that combines the flavors of lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies with succulent shrimp. This recipe makes a quick and spicy meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 4-6 shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 kaffir lime leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon Tom Yum paste
– 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the oil, lemongrass, lime leaves, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the Tom Yum paste and stir well.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Season with fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or basil.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Pho with Rice Noodles
A comforting Vietnamese noodle soup filled with a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables; cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot noodles in bowls, topped with steaming soup and garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Matzo Ball Soup
Classic Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
This traditional Jewish soup is a comforting and flavorful delight, perfect for any occasion. With tender matzo balls and a rich chicken broth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup matzo meal
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together matzo meal, egg, and salt.
2. Gradually add in the vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to chill.
4. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
5. Using wet hands, shape the matzo ball mixture into small balls and drop them into the boiling broth.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until matzo balls are cooked through.
7. Stir in chopped fresh dill and season with black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Hot and Sour Soup
This classic Chinese soup is a staple of Szechuan cuisine, with a harmonious balance of spicy, sour, salty, and umami flavors. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious and comforting bowl of Hot and Sour Soup in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster), sliced
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten (for egg drop soup effect)
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and stir in sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
4. Stir in beaten eggs to create egg drop soup effect.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lentil and Spinach Broth Soup
This hearty and nutritious soup is a perfect blend of protein-rich lentils, leafy spinach, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered in a rich broth. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Kimchi Jjigae (Korean Spicy Broth Soup)
Kimchi Jjigae, or Kimchi Stew, is a popular Korean dish that combines the pungent flavors of kimchi with tender noodles and a rich, spicy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups kimchi, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken or pork broth
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 8 ounces noodles (preferably naengmyeon or ramyeon)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add kimchi, broth, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Serve with soup.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avgolemono (Greek Lemon-Egg Soup)
A classic Greek soup that’s both soothing and refreshing, Avgolemono is a staple comfort food in many households. With its creamy lemon-egg broth, tender rice, and savory chicken, this dish is sure to warm hearts and bellies.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 large eggs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the rice and cook for 18-20 minutes or until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
4. Temper the egg mixture by gradually adding a little of the hot broth while whisking constantly.
5. Return the tempered egg mixture to the pot and stir well.
6. Add the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Clam Chowder with Bacon
A rich and comforting seafood soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender clams, crispy bacon, and creamy potatoes in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups clam juice
– 1 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the potatoes, clam juice, flour, and milk to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add the clams and cooked bacon to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the clams are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Ramen with Rich Pork Broth
Elevate your ramen game with this comforting and flavorful recipe featuring a rich pork broth as the star of the show. This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork bones (neck or rib bones)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 8 ounces ramen noodles
– Sliced pork or vegetables for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the pork bones in a single layer on a baking sheet for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted pork bones, chicken broth, soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 hours or overnight.
4. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
5. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
6. Serve hot with cooked noodles and your choice of garnishes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including roasting time)
Minestrone Soup with Pasta
This classic Italian soup is a staple for any meal, packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. A flavorful and comforting bowl that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, green beans, and bell peppers), sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, pasta, and mixed vegetables.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wonton Soup with Bok Choy
This comforting soup is a staple of Cantonese cuisine, featuring delicate wontons filled with pork and shrimp, served in a savory broth with tender bok choy.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, diced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 bunches bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine pork, scallions, garlic, and shrimp. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing edges together to seal.
3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add wontons and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add broth, soy sauce, and bok choy to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Corn and Potato Chowder
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Corn and Potato Chowder, a comforting blend of tender potatoes, sweet corn, and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)
This classic Vietnamese soup is a staple comfort food, perfect for any time of the year. With its rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and springy rice noodles, Pho Ga is a must-try.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
– Lime wedges
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Pho Ga by placing cooked noodles in a bowl, adding sliced chicken, and serving with fresh herbs and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Mushroom and Barley Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of earthy mushrooms and nutty barley, perfect for a cozy evening by the fire.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, oyster, and cremini), sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, thyme, barley, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get cozy on a cold night with these 20 hearty broth soup recipes. From classic comfort foods like chicken noodle and French onion to international flavors like Korean kimchi jjigae and Vietnamese pho, there’s something for everyone. These soups are packed with protein-rich ingredients, vegetables, and grains, making them perfect for a filling meal or a comforting snack. Try the spicy Thai coconut broth soup, the creamy lemon garlic orzo soup, or the rich and savory beef and vegetable broth soup. Whatever your taste, these broths will warm your heart and fill your belly.
