The winter season is here, and with that come the chilly nights. It is a great season that is often celebrated thanks to the many festivals and occasions that often fall during these months, with the most notable ones being Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
But despite all the wonderful things about winter, the season is also a challenge with its drop in temperature and the cold hands, no matter how many blankets we take. But did you know you can warm yourself up from the inside? Yes, you heard it right.
Nothing is better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly winter night. So, we bring you the seven best winter soups that you need to try this winter season. These soups are wholesome, warm, and easy to prepare. Everyone will love these soups, from kids to adults.
Tomato Soup
Nothing beats a classic bowl of tomato soup. This iconic soup has been a favourite for ages, and it will continue to do so. It is a common soup that is often enjoyed at home, and you will even find it in almost every restaurant.
The best part? You don't need many ingredients, and it is extremely easy to prepare. Get the most out of this soup by garnishing it with croutons or some bread pieces.
Moong Dal Soup
Another wholesome soup that is packed with nutrition, thanks to the inclusion of moong dal. It is a very straightforward soup that is prepared in a pressure cooker and gets its signature flavour and zing because of the black pepper. It is rich in fibre and protein, so you’ll be satisfied after having this soup, and it is perfect for a cosy winter night.
Spinach And Paneer Soup
You get spinach in abundance during the winter season, so why not make the most of the produce? Spinach is a very hearty green that pairs extremely well with paneer (if you have forgotten about palak paneer).
You can also incorporate mustard greens into the mix to make the soup even richer. Here, the spinach soup is tempered with aromatic spices and herbs and is topped with paneer croutons to add flavour and some crunch to the soup.
Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny refers to pepper-broth and it is a Tamil word that means pepper water. This soup is a famous Anglo-Indian dish that has been enjoyed for years. The star ingredient of this soup, as you must’ve figured out already, is none other than pepper.
Typically, the soup is based on chicken stock, but you can easily make it vegetarian by having vegetable stock. The soup is enhanced thanks to the addition of coconut milk, tamarind, cinnamon, and other spices.
Mushroom And Almond Soup
Unlike the other soups on this list so far, which have very bold and dominant flavours, the mushroom-almond soup is light and has subtle flavours. This is a perfect soup for someone who doesn’t like too many bold flavours in their soup.
This soup is made by using finely chopped almonds, mushrooms, butter, milk, cream, and pepper. This is a straightforward dish that will help you relax on a chilly winter night.
Carrot Soup
Carrot is another winter produce that we should make the most of during the season, just like spinach. Carrot is packed with essential nutrients that help us stay strong and fit during the winter months.
Apart from making gajar ka halwa, making carrot soup is the best way to include gajar in your diet. Add some garlic while making the soup to enhance its flavour and boost its nutritional value of the soup. Your family will definitely love soup.
Chicken Yakhni Soup
This Kashmiri speciality will win your heart with its deliciously creamy texture. Chicken yakhni soup is known for its light flavour. Chicken yakhni is a very famous Kashmiri delicacy and is often enjoyed by the people over there, but the same dish can be prepared in the form of soup too.
It is made by using chicken, cumin, garlic, and other common ingredients. It is the perfect soup when you want something light and warm, ideal for a winter night.
Chicken Sweet Corn Soup
This is a very common but popular soup, which also happens to be one of the tastiest that you can try. You’ll find this soup available in almost all the shops and restaurants you’ll go to. There are also instant soups that provide a sweet corn chicken flavour, although they're not close to the real thing.
The soup is made with chicken stock, minced chicken, corn flour, corn kernels, and eggs (egg white and boiled). The overall result is a delicious soup that has the potential to become your favourite.
Gosht Yakhni Shorba
Another Kashmiri speciality but this time instead of chicken, mutton takes the spotlight. It is a mildly spiced soup and has a pleasant aroma with an overall creamy texture. It is prepared in a mutton broth along with saffron strands and curd. An ideal soup to keep you warm on a chilly winter night.
Paaya Shorba
A hearty soup which is prepared by using lamb trotters. The spices help in enhancing the flavours and it is the ideal soup if you are a fan of non-veg food. Paaya shorba is a thick soup and if you compare it to other soups then it won't be as clear as them. You can enjoy the soup as it is or if you want then maybe dip some paratha or naan for some extra flavour and texture.
This soup is perfect for a satisfying dinner on a weekend and especially on a winter night.