Soul Warming Soup and Stew Recipes to Cozy Up Your Fall

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold and the air turns crisp, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup or stew to wrap you in comfort. Fall is the perfect season for hearty meals that nourish both your body and your soul. If you're looking for classic flavors or something new, I've gathered some delectable recipes that are sure to become favorites in your kitchen. So grab your favorite spoon and let’s dive in!

This soul warming Chicken Orzo Soup is chock-full of vegetables and vibrant colors

Chicken Orzo Soup

This recipe is a spin on classic chicken noodle soup that bursts with a delicious depth of flavor and is chock-full of vegetables, meat and starch. It is a one-bowl-wonder!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 lg carrots, chopped

• 3 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 med fennel, sliced

• 1 med yellow onion, chopped

• 1 lg leek, rinsed and chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 5 oz fresh baby spinach

• 3 sprigs thyme

• 2 sprigs dill

• 3 sprigs parsley

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/3 cup dry white wine

• 8 cups chicken stock (I use Kitchen Basics)

• 4 cups water

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts

• 1 cup orzo

• kosher salt

• fresh ground black pepper

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a stockpot, heat the olive oil and add in the carrots, celery, onions, leek and fennel. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

2. Create your herb bouquet, by laying all the sprig for thyme, parsley and dill on the surface of your cutting board, Take a piece of kitchen twine and wrap into a bundle and tie tightly. Set aside. Add in the garlic and stir in to the vegetable mixture until fragrant, about 1 minute.

   
   

3. Then squeeze in about 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, being careful to catch any pits. Add in the white wine and deglaze the bottom of the stockpot, stirring all the vegetables into the liquid.

   
   

4. Once reduced by half, add in the chicken stock, water and your herb bouquet. Stir gently. Let the liquid come up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add in the chicken and cover the stock up. Let cook for 30 minutes on low.

   
   

5. Remove the chicken from the stockpot and place in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken up and then place it back into the soup.

   
   

6. Add in the orzo and spinach and let cook for another 10 minutes until the orzo is just soft, the spinach is wilted and all the flavors are melded together.

   
   

7. Serve along some fresh crusty bread and enjoy.

   
   

This spin on a classic dish not only warms your insides but is hearty and healthy at the same time.

Hearty Beef Stew

When the temperature drops, a hearty beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. This filling recipe is perfect for cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, chopped

• 3 stalks celery, chopped

• 2 large. garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cup dry red wine (merlot or cabernet)

• 1 28oz can of whole plum tomatoes

• 2 cup beef stock

• 2 1/2 lbs. beef chuck, cubed

• 1 cup flour

• kosher salt

• freshly ground black pepper

• 4 tbsp. olive oil, divided

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.

   
   

2. Start by mixing the flour, 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of pepper in a dredging plate or bowl with high sides. Combine well so that you see specks of the salt and pepper throughout the flour mixture.

   
   

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Dredge the pieces of beef in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess before placing in the pot. Work in batches so as to not crowd the pan. (NOTE: If there are to many pieces in the pan, the meat with steam rather than sear) Cook about 2 minutes per side until you have a nice brown crust on the outside. Take out and set aside.

   
   

4. Keeping the heat on medium-high, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil . Add the chopped onions, garlic, celery, carrots. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour over the vegetables and cook out until you can not see any white. The contents in the pot will look a bit muddy…but that is a good thing!

   
   

5. Add in the red wine to deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape up all the bits from the bottom and stir to combine the wine with all the vegetables. Let the wine reduce by half, about 4 minutes, then add in the plum tomatoes in their juices and slowly add the beef stock in, stirring to combine well. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the beef back in, making sure the beef is just covered by the liquid. Throw the sprigs of thyme and rosemary and the bay leaf on top.

   
   

6. Cover and place in the oven for 2 hours. Serve immediately over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes or polenta.

   
   

This stew is a fantastic option for meal prep. It can taste even better the next day, making it easy to enjoy leftovers.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

If you enjoy a bit of elegance in your comfort food, creamy tomato basil soup is a must-have in your recipe arsenal. Rich and velvety, it pairs perfectly with an All-American grilled cheese sandwich for one delicious soup and sammy night at the dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of whole tomatoes (28 oz each)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 cup of heavy cream

• 1 cup of fresh basil leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil for sautéing

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

   
   

2. Include the canned tomatoes (with juice) and bring to a simmer.

   
   

3. Stir in the fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes.

   
   

4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

   
   

5. Mix in the heavy cream and heat through.

   
   

6. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.

   
   

This soup not only delights the taste buds but is also a great way to savor fresh basil during the fall. Interesting tidbit... tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help lower the risk of heart disease. I'll be sure to have several bowls of this over the next few chilly months.

A bowl of creamy tomato basil soup garnished with fresh basil leaves

Spicy Lentil Stew

For those seeking a healthy, hearty vegetarian option, this spicy lentil stew is bursting with protein and flavor. It’s ideal for chilly evenings when you want something nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils (green or brown)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• kosher salt, to taste

• fresh ground black pepper, to taste

• olive oil for sautéing

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.

   
   

2. Mix in the garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another minute.

   
   

3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.

   
   

4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

   
   

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

   
   

This stew is hearty and a fantastic way to add more plant-based meals to your diet. Lentils are also a nutritional powerhouse, providing around 18 grams of protein per cup when cooked.

Warm Up and Enjoy

As temperatures drop and daylight fades, there's no better time to enjoy a warm bowl of soup or stew. These recipes not only provide comfort but are also easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends alike.

So gather your ingredients, slip into your favorite sweater, and savor the delightful flavors of fall. Whether you opt for a spin on classic chicken soup, hearty beef stew, creamy tomato basil soup, or spicy lentil stew, there's a recipe here to satisfy every craving.

Happy Cooking!