When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of protein soup. I remember one winter evening when my son, Jake, came home from school and declared that soup was his favorite dinner. With these protein soup recipes, you can whip up something comforting and nutritious that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re rich in protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
- You can customize them with your favorite veggies.
- They’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
- They warm you up on the coldest days.
Pure Comfort
Each of these protein soup recipes is designed to be both healthy and comforting. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian options or a classic chicken soup, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, they’re all homemade, so you know exactly what goes into your bowl.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb chicken breast, diced – Substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- 4 cups 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian soup.
- 2 cups 2 cups diced carrots – Feel free to use frozen carrots if fresh aren’t available.
- 1 cup 1 cup diced celery – You can replace with bell peppers for a different flavor.
- 1 1 large onion, diced – Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme – Oregano can be a good alternative.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Use low-sodium options if desired.
- 1 cup 1 cup cooked quinoa – Brown rice can be used instead for a heartier texture.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it keeps well in the fridge.
Steps to Make It
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should be lightly browned and fragrant.
- Next, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the quinoa. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll notice the soup thickening slightly as the quinoa cooks.
- Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This is where the flavors really come together.
- Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you prefer a bit more spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The soup should be savory and comforting.
- Once done, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve it warm and enjoy the cozy vibes.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- If you want a creamier texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Top with croutons or a sprinkle of cheese for added crunch and flavor.
- Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
Mix It Up
- Try adding beans for an extra protein boost.
- Swap out the quinoa for lentils for a different texture.
- Experiment with different veggies like spinach or kale.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a side of grilled cheese for a nostalgic combo.
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FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Just make sure to leave out any dairy before freezing.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use tofu, chickpeas, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option.
How do I cook chicken for the soup?
Simply dice the chicken and cook it in the pot until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
These protein soup recipes are perfect for any day of the week. They’re nutritious, comforting, and easy to make. So grab your ingredients and get cooking. You’ll be glad you did!
Protein Soup Recipes: 5 Comforting Options
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian soup.
- 2 cups diced carrots Feel free to use frozen carrots if fresh aren’t available.
- 1 cup diced celery You can replace with bell peppers for a different flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
- 1 tsp dried thyme Oregano can be a good alternative.
- to taste Salt and pepper Use low-sodium options if desired.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa Brown rice can be used instead for a heartier texture.
Instructions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should be lightly browned and fragrant.
- Next, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the quinoa. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll notice the soup thickening slightly as the quinoa cooks.
- Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This is where the flavors really come together.
- Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you prefer a bit more spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The soup should be savory and comforting.
- Once done, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve it warm and enjoy the cozy vibes.