11 Best Easy Soup Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals

When it comes to cooking, I often look for recipes that are simple and quick to prepare. Easy soups made with just a few ingredients can be both delicious and satisfying, making them perfect for any meal. These recipes save time in the kitchen while still allowing you to enjoy comforting and hearty dishes.

In this article, I will share eleven of my favorite easy soup recipes that require minimal ingredients. These soups are versatile, allowing you to customize them based on what you have at home or your personal tastes. Whether you’re a busy person or simply want a quick meal, these recipes will make preparing soup effortlessly enjoyable.

1. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a simple, flavorful dish made primarily from fresh tomatoes and basil leaves. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

I find this soup easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients. Here’s how I prepare it in just a few steps:

1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add 1 small onion, chopped, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Mix in 4 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes and cook until they break down, around 10 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and blend the soup until smooth.

I usually serve it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of pepper. This delicious soup is a great way to use fresh ingredients and makes for a delightful meal.

2. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and spices in a savory broth. It is a popular choice for a comforting meal and can be made with just a few ingredients.

I find it easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. With basic pantry items, I can create a delicious soup in about 30 minutes.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. In a pot, I heat some oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft.
2. Next, I add cooked shredded chicken and broth, bringing it to a boil.
3. Then, I mix in canned tomatoes, corn, and black beans for added texture.
4. I season with cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste.
5. After simmering for 15 minutes, I serve it hot.

To finish, I like to top the soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, or cheese for extra flavor. This simple recipe makes a hearty meal that I enjoy sharing with family and friends.

3. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a creamy and comforting dish made primarily from butternut squash. It has a natural sweetness and a smooth texture that many enjoy.

I find this recipe easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients like butternut squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and spices. The process is straightforward and quick.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Peel, seed, and cube one medium butternut squash.
2. In a pot, sauté one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft.
3. Add the cubed squash and four cups of vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the squash is tender.
5. Blend the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

This simple recipe yields a delicious and healthy soup that I enjoy any time of year.

4. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish. It combines fresh broccoli with cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal. This soup is a great choice for a quick and easy recipe with few ingredients.

To make it, I prepare the following ingredients: fresh broccoli, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, milk, and cheddar cheese. The simplicity makes it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Here’s how I make it:

1. In a pot, I sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in a bit of oil until soft.
2. Next, I add the chopped broccoli and cook for a few minutes.
3. Then, I pour in vegetable broth and simmer until the broccoli is tender.
4. Once cooked, I blend the mixture until smooth. I return it to the pot and stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

The result is a rich, creamy soup that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s perfect for those chilly days when I want something warm and hearty.

5. Miso Soup

Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made from miso paste, which is fermented soybeans. It has a savory, umami flavor that makes it comforting and delicious.

Making miso soup is quite easy. I can prepare it in about 15 minutes using just a few ingredients.

To make it, I follow these simple steps:

1. Gather Ingredients: I need miso paste, water, tofu, and green onions. Optional ingredients include seaweed or mushrooms.
2. Heat Water: I start by boiling about 4 cups of water in a pot.
3. Prepare Tofu: While the water is heating, I cut the tofu into small cubes.
4. Mix Miso: Once the water boils, I take it off the heat and add around 3 tablespoons of miso paste. I stir until it dissolves.
5. Add Tofu and Green Onions: I gently add the tofu and chopped green onions to the pot.
6. Serve: I let it sit for a couple of minutes, then enjoy my warm, tasty miso soup.

This simple recipe is perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.

6. Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a nutritious and hearty dish made primarily from lentils, which are small legumes. They are a great source of protein and fiber, making this soup both filling and healthy.

I find lentil soup easy to prepare. It requires just a few ingredients, such as lentils, onions, carrots, and spices. With minimal prep time, I can have it cooking in no time.

Here’s a simple way to make lentil soup:

1. First, rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped carrot for about 5 minutes until soft.
4. Add the lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

This soup is not only easy to make but also customizable. I like to add herbs or extra vegetables based on what I have on hand.

7. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic dish known for its rich flavor. It mainly features onions, broth, and melted cheese. The warm, savory taste makes it a comforting choice.

Making this soup is easy and requires only a few ingredients. I usually need onions, beef or vegetable broth, butter, and cheese. Fresh herbs can add more flavor, but they are optional.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Slice 4 large onions and sauté them in 3 tablespoons of butter until they are golden brown. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
2. Add 4 cups of broth to the onions. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve in bowls and top with toasted bread.
5. Sprinkle cheese, like Gruyère, on top, and broil until bubbly.

This simple process gives me a delicious and satisfying soup that warms me up. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal.

8. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is a creamy soup that features clams as the main ingredient. It’s rich, comforting, and can be made with just a few basic items.

I find clam chowder easy to prepare. Typically, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This dish is perfect for a quick meal, especially on a cold day.

Here’s how I make it:

1. Start by cooking 4 slices of bacon in a pot until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and add 1 chopped onion and 2 diced potatoes to the pot.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in 2 cups of clam juice and bring to a boil.
5. Add 1 can of chopped clams and 1 cup of heavy cream.
6. Simmer for another 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your clam chowder with the crispy bacon crumbled on top. It pairs well with crackers or fresh bread.

9. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that is hearty and full of vegetables. It often includes beans, pasta, and a variety of seasonal vegetables. I love its flexibility, as you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Making minestrone is easy and doesn’t take much time. Here’s how I do it:

1. In a large pot, I heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. I add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Next, I include minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Then, I pour in vegetable broth and add diced tomatoes.
5. I toss in chopped zucchini and green beans, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
6. After the soup simmers for 10 minutes, I add cooked pasta and canned beans.
7. Finally, I let it cook for 5 more minutes until everything is heated through.

Minestrone soup is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also filling and nutritious. I enjoy serving it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

10. Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is a creamy and flavorful dish made often with just a few ingredients. It features pumpkin as the main ingredient, which is naturally sweet and nutritious.

Making pumpkin soup is quite simple. I usually start with fresh or canned pumpkin. I find that both work well, depending on what’s available.

Here are the basic steps I follow:

1. In a pot, I heat some oil over medium heat.
2. I add chopped onions and garlic, cooking them until soft.
3. Next, I stir in 3 cups of pumpkin puree and 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth.
4. For seasoning, I add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. I let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Finally, I blend the soup until smooth and creamy.

This soup is easy to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a warm meal any time of the year. Enjoying this dish is a simple way to savor the flavor of pumpkin.

11. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is a smooth and flavorful dish made mainly from mushrooms, cream, and broth. It’s a comforting option that I find easy to prepare.

To make this soup, I typically need just a few ingredients, like fresh mushrooms, butter, onion, broth, and cream. It usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Sauté: I start by melting butter in a pot and sautéing chopped onions and mushrooms until soft.
2. Add broth: Next, I pour in chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Blend: After simmering, I use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in cream: Finally, I mix in heavy cream, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and heat just until warm.

This simple method gives me a rich and creamy soup that pairs well with bread or can be enjoyed on its own.

What Are the Health Benefits of Simple Soups?

Simple soups are not just comforting, but they also offer various health benefits. They are packed with nutrients and can aid digestion. I’ve found that incorporating these easy recipes into my diet contributes to overall wellness.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Simple Soups?

Simple soups often contain a variety of ingredients, which means they can provide essential nutrients. For example, vegetable soups are rich in vitamins A and C, which support the immune system. Legumes, like beans and lentils, are common in soups and are excellent sources of protein and fiber.

Here are some common ingredients and their benefits:

• Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which supports eye health.
• Spinach: Packed with iron, which is important for blood health.
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The combination of these ingredients makes simple soups a wholesome choice that can fit into a balanced diet.

How Does Digestibility Affect Simple Soups?

Simple soups are easy to digest, making them a great option for people with sensitive stomachs. The cooking process breaks down tough fibers in vegetables and proteins, making nutrients more accessible.

Warm liquids help soothe the digestive tract. Plus, the hydration from broth supports digestion and keeps the body hydrated.

I often find that eating soup can be more calming on my stomach compared to solid foods, especially during illness or recovery. This digestibility can make soups a go-to meal for maintaining gut health.

What Are the Key Ingredients for Flavorful Soups?

When making flavorful soups, the right ingredients play a crucial role. Focusing on herbs, spices, and how to use fresh or dried ingredients can elevate any soup.

What Herbs and Spices Enhance Simple Soups?

Herbs and spices are essential for adding depth to my soups. I often choose herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley for their aromatic qualities. Fresh herbs can brighten a dish, while dried herbs offer convenience.

As for spices, black pepper, cumin, and paprika can introduce warmth and complexity. I typically add spices early in the cooking process to allow their flavors to meld.

Here’s a quick list of flavorful options:

• Thyme: Great for hearty soups.
• Cilantro: Adds freshness to brothy soups.
• Oregano: A staple in tomato-based soups.

Knowing when and how to use these ingredients is key to developing rich flavors.

How Do Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients Compare in Soups?

I find that using fresh ingredients can significantly enhance my soups. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions contribute texture and natural sweetness. They serve as a solid base, also known as a mirepoix.

On the other hand, dried ingredients are practical for quick meals. Dried herbs, like basil and oregano, are concentrated in flavor. It is crucial to adjust the amounts when substituting dried for fresh.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Fresh Ingredients:
  • Superior flavor and texture
  • Best used in quick-cooking soups
• Dried Ingredients:
  • Longer shelf life
  • Convenient for time-saving recipes

Choosing the right form of ingredients depends on your time and flavor preferences.

What Are Some Tips for Making Quick Soups?

When preparing quick soups, efficiency and simplicity are key. Using time-saving techniques and one-pot methods helps create delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are some practical tips that can make the process smoother.

What Are Time-Saving Techniques for Soup Preparation?

To speed up soup preparation, I often choose pre-chopped or frozen vegetables. They save significant time and maintain great flavor. Additionally, using canned beans or tomatoes can cut down cooking time.

I recommend having a few staple ingredients on hand, such as broth, spices, and pasta. A well-stocked pantry makes it easier to whip up a soup any day.

Using an electric kettle can also help. Boiling water faster can be useful for broth-based soups. And when possible, I chop ingredients while other items are cooking, so everything is ready at once.

How Do One-Pot Methods Simplify Soup-Making?

One-pot soups are my go-to for easy clean-up and minimal fuss. I often start by sautéing any aromatics, like onions and garlic, in the same pot where the soup will cook. This builds flavor without needing extra dishes.

After that, I add my main ingredients all at once. For instance, I might toss in vegetables, broth, and any grains or proteins together. I let them simmer until everything is tender.

Using a pressure cooker can also speed things up. It allows me to cook hearty soups in less than half the usual time. Plus, everything cooks together, resulting in a rich, well-blended flavor.