How to make soup
Find out how to turn the contents of your fridge into a hearty and wholesome homemade soup, whether you have a soup maker or not
There's no need to follow a recipe every time – it's time to go freestyle with your soup! Whether you want to learn how to make vegetable, tomato, or hearty chicken soup, we'll show you the basic process. If you get an organic vegetable box or simply find a load of veg lurking in your fridge at the end of every week, then this is the perfect way to ensure your valued veg doesn't end up in the bin.
Soups are a great meal option as they’re so incredibly versatile. Whether you want a light broth as a starter before a large meal or a thick and hearty soup to warm you in the depths of winter, there’s something for everyone. Read our helpful guide on how to thicken soup to make sure that your comforting bowl has the silky texture you desire. Elevate your favourite midweek soup with our best soup topping ideas. Check out these soup maker recipes we're loving right now or our most popular soup recipes of all time to guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
1. Make your soup base
- Chop a medium onion and a few vegetables. A combination of one carrot, one stick of celery and one leek works well.
- Fry these with a knob of butter, stirring to coat, and cover with a lid.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes to soften.
2. Make your stock
A good stock is another key essential when making soup. If you'd like to make your own, check out our video guide to making stock. It's always good to have some of this in the freezer. Another great stock is the water you've used to boil a gammon – delicious. Again, freeze this until you need it. If you haven't got time or simply don't have homemade stock, buy a good quality one from the supermarket.
3. Decide on the main ingredient
If you want a particular ingredient to shine, then big up the quantities. Think about cooking times and then add at the appropriate time. Butternut squash can be added along with the base ingredients, like in this butternut squash & sage soup. Add broccoli stalks with the base ingredients, then add the tops later so they retain their colour and cook with the lid off. Spinach needs to be added a few minutes before the end to ensure it stays vibrant.
4. Should you blend soup?
It's really up to you if you blend your soup or not. It can be nice to blend a leek and potato soup but then throw in a few finely sliced bits of leek a few minutes before the end to give a little texture. Chicken can become a bit grainy when blended, in this recipe for Thai chicken and sweet potato soup, the sweet potato is blended and then the chicken added and cooked after. If you're not planning to blend it, cut chunks into no more than bite-sized pieces to make it easy to eat.
5. Top your soup with garnishes
A sprinkling of finely sliced spring onions, a few croutons or a handful of chopped herbs make a great finish and will make your soup look much more appetising. Likewise, a drizzle of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche and a grind of black pepper will make it dinner-party worthy if you've got friends over.
Miso & butternut soup
Slow cooker tomato soup
Purple sprouting broccoli, buttermilk & blue cheese soup
Cauliflower soup with chorizo & garlic croutons
Celeriac, hazelnut & truffle soup
How long does homemade soup last in the fridge?
How long your soup lasts will depend on the ingredients. For instance, meat-based soups spoil faster than lighter vegetable soups like tomato. As a general guide, we recommend storing soup in the fridge for up to three days.
Get more inspiration for homemade soup
Top winter soup recipes
Spicy soup recipes
The best soup recipes for kids
Creamy soup recipes
Cold soup recipes
Still not sure? Check out our How to make soup video and Versatile veg soup recipe. You can also compare ideas in our soup collection or let us know your top tips below.
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