5 Delicious & Wholesome Christmas Soup Recipes to Kick-Off the Holiday Season!
As the holiday season is just around the corner, it’s not uncommon for people to indulge in rich and heavy dishes that can be detrimental to our health. However, this year, why not try something different? With these 5 healthy Christmas soup recipes, you can kick-start your festivities with a light and delicious meal that will leave you feeling merry and bright!
A Refreshing & Revitalizing Winter Vegetable Soup
One of the most iconic winter vegetables is the humble root vegetable. This hearty soup is packed with the likes of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, all slow-cooked in a flavorful broth to bring out their natural sweetness. Not only is this soup incredibly nutritious but it’s also super easy to make – perfect for those busy holiday days!
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 4 carrots, 2 parsnips, 2 sweet potatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste.
To begin, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, followed by the minced garlic. Then add your selection of winter vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes) and continue cooking for about 10 minutes or until they’re tender.
After that, pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are fully cooked through.
A Spicy & Soothing Roasted Sweet Potato Soup
For those who enjoy a little spice in their life, this roasted sweet potato soup is sure to become your new go-to. The addition of smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adds an incredible depth of flavor while the sweetness of the potatoes balances it out perfectly.
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
To make this mouthwatering soup, first preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces and roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. While that’s happening, heat up the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
A Creamy & Comforting Chicken & Leek Soup
Chicken and leek soup is a classic combination that never fails to warm the cockles of our hearts. This recipe takes it to a whole new level with the addition of heavy cream, giving it an incredibly rich and velvety texture.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter, 2 boneless chicken breasts, 4 leeks (white parts only), 6 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, salt and pepper to taste.
A Light & Revitalizing Tomato & Basil Soup
As the most popular soup during Christmas season, this classic combination of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil is a true showstopper. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of lemon juice, adding an extra zing to the dish.
Ingredients: 3 cups chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 6 cups vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste.
A Creamy & Hearty Chicken & Mushroom Soup
This comforting chicken and mushroom soup is a staple of many Christmas gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs or spices for added flavor.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter, 2 boneless chicken breasts, 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced), 6 cups chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste.
A Fresh & Refreshing Butternut Squash Soup
This vibrant butternut squash soup is a perfect way to start your holiday season. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the tanginess of lime juice, creating an incredibly refreshing flavor combination that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed), 2 tablespoons butter, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons lime juice, salt and pepper to taste.
A Rich & Decadent Cream of Broccoli Soup
This hearty broccoli soup is a true crowd-pleaser. With the addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this dish becomes an incredibly rich and decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 onion (chopped), 6 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, salt and pepper to taste.
The combination of steamed broccoli and creamy sauce is simply divine – the perfect comfort food for those chilly winter days!