12 Classic Soup Recipes Every Cook Should Know

You're looking to expand your culinary skills, and mastering classic soups is a great place to start. You'll want to know how to make essentials like Chicken Noodle and French Onion soups. But what makes a truly great soup, and how can you put your own twist on these timeless recipes? You're about to find out, as you explore the fundamentals of 12 classic soups that every cook should know.

1. Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with fresh tomatoes and heavy cream.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot 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. Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes, broth, and dried basil.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

2. Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic comfort food made with chicken and noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces egg noodles

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook until they're tender.
6. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
7. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

3. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy and comforting dish.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet, cut side up, and roast for 45 minutes.
4. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
5. Scoop the roasted squash into the pot and add cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
9. Stir in the heavy cream and serve hot.

4. French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a rich and flavorful dish made with caramelized onions and beef broth.

Ingredients

• 3 large onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 4 slices of baguette

Instructions

1. Melt butter and heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until they're caramelized and golden brown.
3. Add salt, pepper, and garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely evaporated.
5. Add beef broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Preheat broiler and toast slices of baguette.
7. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls and top with toasted baguette and Gruyère cheese.
8. Place bowls under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

5. Minestrone Soup Recipe

Hearty Italian minestrone soup made with vegetables and beans.

Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 can vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until tender.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

6. New England Clam Chowder

Creamy New England Clam Chowder filled with clams and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 pound clams
• 1 cup potatoes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add clams, potatoes, and flour, stirring to combine.
4. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs or crusty bread.

7. Roasted Vegetable Soup

Roasted Vegetable Soup is a hearty, comforting dish filled with roasted vegetables and flavorful broth.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 potatoes
• 1 large butternut squash
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and butternut squash into large chunks.
3. Place the chopped vegetables in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat.
4. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
5. In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, and dried thyme.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or allow it to cool and puree it in a blender.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

8. Lentil Soup Delight

Hearty lentil soup with aromatic spices and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little water until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 40 minutes.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

9. Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and nutritious meal option.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

10. Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Broccoli Soup is a delicious and healthy soup made with broccoli and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add broccoli, chicken broth, and diced potatoes to the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

11. Potato Corn Chowder

Creamy potato corn chowder filled with tender potatoes and sweet corn.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the potatoes and corn, stirring to combine.
5. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until slightly smooth.
8. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs or chives if desired.

12. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Spicy and comforting, Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful Mexican dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 6-8 corn tortillas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheese, for serving
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until tender.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
4. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika to the pot, stirring to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. While the soup is simmering, cut the corn tortillas into thin strips and fry them in a little oil until crispy.
7. To serve, place some of the fried tortilla strips in the bottom of a bowl, then ladle the hot soup over the top.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then top with shredded cheese and any desired optional toppings.

Conclusion

You'll savor rich Creamy Tomato Soup and spicy Black Bean Soup, but also cozy up to comforting Chicken Noodle Soup. Juxtaposing hearty Potato Corn Chowder with light Butternut Squash Soup, you'll discover a world of flavors. From simple to complex, these 12 classic soups will elevate your cooking, offering a perfect blend of warmth and elegance for any occasion.