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U Conn | Life

All I Can Think About Is Soup

Layna Holmes Student Contributor, University of Connecticut
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Now that the days are getting shorter and much colder, it’s officially soup season. I think soup is one of the best and most diverse foods, combining flavor, comfort, and fun. In fact, when it gets colder outside, all I can think about is soup. Every year, when winter rolls around, I make some of my favorite soup recipes. They are extremely yummy and have become family favorites in my house. Soup’s versatility makes it a perfect meal for any day. I have a few that are my all-time favorites and will be sharing them with you!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic. Whether you need a quick way to warm up or are feeling under the weather due to the cold, chicken noodle soup is a great food to indulge in. It’s an amazing mix of hearty flavors and balanced vegetables. My chicken noodle soup always starts with a base of sautĂ©ing carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Once they get a nice color and are soft to the touch, I add in chicken stock. Let that come to a boil and then add egg noodles and chicken. Egg noodles are a must-have if you are making a chicken noodle soup, because they’re both light and delicious. Chicken noodle soup is a timeless meal that I think everyone enjoys during the winter.

Chicken tortilla soup

There are many, many ways to make chicken tortilla soup. I’m quite picky about my chicken tortilla soup, which is why I make it at home all the time. It’s simple to make, yet full of flavor. I start by sautĂ©ing garlic, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers. Once those are cooked tender, I add chicken broth and a small amount of tomato sauce. When it begins to boil, I add fully cooked chicken, which is seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper, as well as corn and black beans. For me, the vegetables are the star of this soup. I garnish my tortilla soup with both cheese and sour cream. These two additions provide a creamier aspect to the broth base, which helps to enhance the flavors.

Chicken gnocchi soup

Chicken gnocchi soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is great for a cold winter day. It has all the great aspects of soup, protein, carbs, and veggies. Sometimes, I do go above and beyond and home-make my gnocchi, but this process adds lots of time, so store-bought gnocchi works great as well. To make gnocchi from scratch, you simply need potatoes, flour, eggs, and seasoning. Boil the potatoes, mash them, then add flour, an egg, and some salt. This will form a dough-like consistency, then all you have to do is form the dough into small balls. The rest of the soup is made by sautéing celery, carrots, onions, and garlic. When the vegetables are fully cooked, chicken broth and heavy cream are added, along with fully cooked chicken. When that begins to boil, add in the gnocchi. Finally, I add salt, pepper, and parsley as the final touch.

Southwest soup

An extremely simple recipe that I make is crockpot southwest soup. This is a great recipe for a busy day, when you still want to have a mouthwatering homemade dinner. You simply throw the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and enjoy it when it’s time to eat. To begin you add diced onions, peppers, tomatoes, and chicken stock into the crockpot. Then add the seasonings of your choice. I like to add salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Then place chicken breasts and cream cheese within the crockpot as well. When it’s time to eat, you have to shred the chicken, stir it back in, and serve. I like to enjoy my soup with a sprinkle of cheese and tortilla chips.

Potato soup

I seem to also have strong opinions about how potato soup should be prepared. I grew up having a cream-and-cheese-based potato soup, and that prevails as my potato soup of choice. My recipe is quite indulgent, but it is too delectable to pass up. I start by bringing a mixture of broth and milk to a warmer temperature. When warm, add in both yellow and white American cheese, and cheddar cheese. As the cheese melts, boil potatoes in a separate pot. When the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese has completely melted, combine the potatoes into the soup base. When serving, I appreciate adding salt and pepper, as well as chives, cheese, and bacon for a loaded potato soup. 

wrapping up

Soup is one of the most comforting and versatile meals to enjoy now that the weather has become colder. Whether it’s a classic chicken noodle soup or an indulgent potato soup, each recipe offers unique flavors while still bringing warmth and satisfaction. One of the best things about soup is how flexible it is. Ingredients can be easily substituted based on preferences or dietary needs, so feel free to change up recipes and experiment for yourself. This flexibility makes soup simple to prepare and very easily customizable, so change it for your personal tastes. No matter what recipe, a bowl of soup is the perfect way to make a cold winter day just a little warmer. 

Layna Holmes

U Conn '29

Layna is a sophomore English and Communication double major at the University of Connecticut. She is a student in UConn's Honors College and a Chapter Member for Her Campus UConn! Layna enjoys writing about literature, entertainment, music, and trends and she is excited to show her love for these things through journalism with HC.

If she is not in class or writing articles, she is most likely reading a good book, watching a Gen Z sitcom, or hanging with friends. You can often find her studying around campus, listening to Ethel Cain, or taking a quick nap!