Flavorful Soups: Quick Recipes for Chilly Days
When the temperature drops, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup to comfort and satisfy. These quick and flavorful soup recipes are perfect for chilly days and easy enough for beginners. Some even incorporate the air fryer to add a unique twist and speed up your cooking process.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked beans or lentils (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if using it to roast vegetables.
- Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss gently to coat. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- While vegetables roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the air-fried vegetables to the pot. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, beans or lentils (if using), thyme, and basil.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Tips or Variations
- For a creamy texture, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
- Add cooked shredded chicken or sausage slices for extra protein.
- Try roasting other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini in the air fryer for different flavors.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian or switch to beef broth for a richer taste.
- Top the soup with a sprinkle of grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
