Filling Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a hearty bowl of soup. Whether it’s the chill of winter, the simplicity of a family meal, or just the craving for something warm and soothing, soup hits the spot every time. But one variety stands out for its rich, velvety texture and satisfying depth-filling soup.

Filling soup is that perfect balance between a broth-based dish and a complete meal. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and leaves you with a satisfying sense of fullness. This isn’t just about a bowl of liquid with a few vegetables floating around. It’s a full-fledged meal that combines protein, vegetables, and often, grains or noodles, all simmered together to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

In this article, we’ll break down a delicious filling soup recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, and we’ll dive into every step of the process to make sure you can recreate it at home with ease.

Filling Soup Recipe

This filling soup is packed with a variety of vegetables, tender meat, and the kind of flavors that deepen with each simmer. It’s the kind of recipe that only gets better as it sits. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, meaning you can customize it with whatever you have on hand.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you make this delicious soup from scratch:

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Having your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional for extra flavor)

• Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped

• Broth

  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 2 cups water

• Grains/Noodles

  • 1 cup dried lentils (or barley, quinoa, or noodles depending on preference)

• Herbs & Spices

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or grated cheese

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! These instructions will take you through the process of making this filling soup step-by-step.

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Start by chopping your vegetables: dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Mince the garlic, and set the herbs and seasonings aside.
   • If using chicken, cut the breasts into bite-sized cubes or leave them whole to shred later.
   • If you’re using dried lentils, rinse them under cold water and set aside.

2. Cook The Chicken (or Your Protein)

   • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken (or your preferred protein) and sauté until it’s lightly browned and cooked through. If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy and then crumble it for later.

3. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

4. Add Garlic And Spices

   • Toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to release.

5. Pour In The Broth And Water

   • Add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

6. Add The Grains And Simmer

   • Once the soup begins to boil, add in the lentils (or whatever grain you’re using). Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

7. Add The Remaining Vegetables

   • Once the lentils are done, toss in the potatoes, corn, and green beans. Let them cook for another 10 minutes until they’re tender and the flavors meld together.

8. Final Adjustments

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed-more salt, pepper, or herbs. If you used whole chicken breasts, now is the time to shred them with a fork and stir them back into the soup.

9. Garnish And Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this soup contributes to its depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s a deeper dive into why each component is so important:

• Chicken: The lean protein adds richness without being too heavy. It also soaks up the flavor from the broth, creating a comforting base.
• Vegetables: The onion, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix-an aromatic base for soups. These veggies provide both sweetness and a savory backbone. Potatoes add heartiness, while corn and green beans introduce freshness and color.
• Broth: Using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth is key. The broth serves as the canvas for the entire soup and elevates all the flavors. Homemade broth will provide a richer, more nuanced taste.
• Lentils: They’re the star of the soup, not only providing texture but also nutritional value. Lentils are packed with fiber and protein, making them a filling and healthy addition to any soup.
• Herbs and spices: Thyme and rosemary give the soup its earthy undertones, while the bay leaf imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor. Garlic enhances the savory notes and rounds everything out.

Expert Tips

To make this filling soup even better, here are a few tips from the pros:

• Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade broth makes a world of difference. It’s more flavorful and free of preservatives.
• Use a slow cooker: If you’re short on time, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Make it ahead of time: Soup often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Adjust the texture: If you like your soup creamier, you can blend part of it with an immersion blender or regular blender before serving.
• Add a splash of acid: A small squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar just before serving can really brighten the flavor.

Recipe Variations

One of the best parts of making soup is the flexibility you have to customize it. Here are some variations to try:

• Vegetarian/vegan: Skip the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth. You can add extra legumes like chickpeas or black beans for protein.
• Add more greens: Toss in a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
• Spicy twist: Add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of cayenne for a kick of heat.
• Use different grains: Instead of lentils, you can use barley, quinoa, or rice for different textures.

Final Words

This filling soup recipe is truly a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit any dietary need or taste preference. Whether you’re looking for something classic and comforting or adventurous with new flavors, this recipe gives you the freedom to play around with ingredients and make it your own.