10 Simple Soups to Make on Busy Weeknights

10 quick and simple soup recipes that are ideal for midweek dinners are provided in this article. Every recipe is made to be as easy as possible, requiring little preparation time while still producing mouthwatering results. These soups will satisfy your appetites and fit easily into your hectic schedule, regardless of whether you’re searching for something filling, light, or full of vegetables.

Vegetable and Chicken Soup

A traditional comfort food that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, chicken vegetable soup is a great option for a hectic weekday. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to begin. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onions and sauté until the veggies are soft. Then add the chicken broth and cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is great for this). Add your preferred fresh or frozen vegetables, like green beans, corn, or peas, and boil the combination. For extra taste, add your preferred herbs, such as parsley or thyme, along with salt and pepper. To allow the flavors to blend, let the soup stew for around ten minutes. In addition to being healthful and easy to prepare, this filling soup offers a well-rounded lunch in just one bowl. The whole family will enjoy this hearty dinner when it is served with fresh bread.

Basil Tomato Soup

Another quick and simple option that adds flavor with little effort is tomato basil soup. In a pot, start by sautéing chopped garlic and onions in olive oil until aromatic. To counteract the acidity of the tomatoes, add vegetable broth, canned crushed tomatoes, and a small teaspoon of sugar. After bringing the mixture to a simmer, cook it for around fifteen minutes. For a creamy texture, add a splash of milk or cream and toss in fresh basil leaves. You can use a standard blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth for extra richness. To taste, add salt and pepper. A grilled cheese sandwich is the ideal accompaniment to this soup, which makes it a quick and nostalgic dinner. This recipe is pleasant and likely to impress thanks to the bright tastes of the basil and tomatoes.

Soup with Lentils

A quick and hearty option that requires little preparation is lentil soup. First, heat the olive oil in a pot and cook the celery, carrots, and chopped onions until they are tender. Add the vegetable stock, rinsed lentils, and seasonings such bay leaves, paprika, and cumin. After bringing the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and simmer it for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft. In the final minutes of cooking, try adding some diced spinach or tomatoes for flavor. Packed with fiber and protein, this filling soup is a great dinner on its own. For a full dinner, serve with whole-grain bread or a simple side salad. Lentil soup is a great option for hectic weeknights because it’s inexpensive and easy to make.

Soup with Creamy Mushrooms

A delicious and filling option that just takes 30 minutes to prepare is creamy mushroom soup. In a pot with butter, start by sautéing chopped onions and sliced mushrooms until the mushrooms are soft and caramelized. To thicken the soup, add flour and cook for one more minute after adding the minced garlic. To prevent lumps, add the chicken or vegetable broth gradually while stirring. For a creamy texture, add heavy cream or a dairy-free substitute after bringing the mixture to a simmer. For extra taste, add fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper. You can serve this soup as an appetizer or as a quick supper with a light salad. This soup is rich and cozy, ideal for a nightly treat, thanks to the earthy tastes of the mushrooms and the creaminess.

Easy Chili

A great one-pot meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, chili is ideal for hectic weeknights. In a big pot, begin by frying ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic once the meat is cooked through and any extra fat has been drained. Sauté the veggies until they are soft. Add kidney beans, canned chopped tomatoes, chili powder, and any additional spices you choose, including paprika and cumin. To let the flavors blend, let the chili simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Top with chopped green onions, sour cream, or shredded cheese and serve hot. This substantial dish is a favorite among families and parties because it is not only very easy to cook but also quite filling. Chili’s adaptability allows you to quickly add your preferred ingredients and garnishes.

Tom Kha, or Thai Coconut Soup

Tom Kha, also known as Thai coconut soup, is a tasty and aromatic dish that comes together quickly. In a pot, start by boiling the vegetable broth and coconut milk. To add aromatic aromas to the broth, add sliced ginger or galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Add sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and your preferred protein, like tofu or shrimp, after bringing the mixture to a mild simmer. Cook until the tofu is well heated or the shrimp becomes pink. For a splash of freshness, add fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh cilantro at the end of the soup. In addition to being warm, this simple and quick soup highlights the rich tastes of Thai food. For a whole supper that takes you to a tropical paradise, serve it with jasmine rice.

Leek and Potato Soup

In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this cozy and creamy potato leek soup. First, soften the leeks by sautéing them in butter. Bring the mixture to a boil after adding the diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. After cooking, purée the soup with an immersion blender until it’s smooth, or leave it chunky for texture. Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, then stir in heavy cream or milk for creaminess. This soup goes well with crusty bread and is ideal for cold nights. Leeks and potatoes work together to produce a flavorful, easy, and satisfying combo.

Soup with Black Beans

A healthy and filling choice that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare is black bean soup. In a pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the bell peppers, garlic, and chopped onions until they are tender. Add drained and rinsed canned black beans, vegetable broth, and seasonings such as smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. To enable the flavors to emerge, bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for ten to fifteen minutes. You can puree some of the soup and then put it back in the pot for a creamier texture. Garnish the hot black bean soup with a dollop of sour cream, avocado, or cilantro. In addition to being easy to prepare, this recipe is high in fiber and protein, making it a tasty and substantial dinner for hectic weeknights.

White Bean and Spinach Soup

White bean soup with spinach is a simple, healthful, and light choice. First, sauté the garlic and sliced onions in olive oil until aromatic. After adding the rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, and fresh spinach, let the soup simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. For brightness, squeeze in some lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. You can use an immersion blender to make the mixture smoother or mash some of the beans against the pot’s side for more texture. This soup can be served with whole-grain bread or a side salad and is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. This soup is a healthy option for any night of the week since it contains white beans and spinach, which give it a nutritional boost.

Soup with Minestrone

Any vegetable you have on hand can be used to make minestrone soup, a versatile and filling Italian dish. To begin, sauté the celery, carrots, and onions in olive oil until they are tender. Add vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, and any more veggies you choose, such spinach, green beans, or zucchini. Add tiny pasta or rice to the saucepan and stir in dried herbs, such as basil and oregano, for flavor. Simmer the soup until the pasta is tender and the flavors combine. To taste, add salt and pepper. Minestrone is a convenient choice for hectic weeknights because it’s easy to make and a terrific way to use up leftover vegetables. This soup is wholesome, tasty, and ideal for feeding a large group of people. In conclusion
For hectic weeknights, quick and simple soups are a lifesaver since they offer enjoyment and nutrients without the hassle of complex cooking. There is something for everyone in the ten recipes covered in this article because they use a range of ingredients and flavors. These recipes, which range from traditional chicken noodle soup to colorful Thai coconut soup, are ideal for those on the go and families because they can be made in 30 minutes or less. Incorporating lean proteins, nutritious grains, and seasonal veggies, these soups not only taste great but also offer vital nutrients for a well-rounded diet. As you experiment with these recipes, think about combining your preferred flavors and ingredients to make your own special variations. You can enjoy the cozy warmth of homemade soup any night of the week and make weekday dinners a snap with a little imagination and the correct ingredients.