Soup-er cosy ways to stay warm this winter
There’s a chill in the air, and that can mean only one thing — soup season is officially open! Bubbling pots on the stove, grilled cheese sandwiches crisping golden on the side, and the scent of roasted tomatoes and herbs filling the kitchen. November is about ladling joy, one steamy bowl at a time.
The Classic Comfort: Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
A bowl of intensely flavourful tomato soup — bright, tangy, and smoothened by a swirl of cream — brings instant comfort. Ripe tomatoes roasted with garlic and thyme blend beautifully with vegetable stock and a hint of basil. Alongside sits a grilled cheese sandwich made with thick buttered sourdough, layered with sharp cheddar and molten Gruyère. The joy is in the dunk — crisp, cheesy bread meeting the warm,
tangy soup. It’s simple, familiar, and timeless — the kind of comfort that never goes out of style.
The Earthy Indulgence: Cream of Mushroom Soup
For those who savour umami depth, nothing compares to a homemade cream of mushroom soup. A mix of cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms is sautéed with butter, garlic, onions, and a splash of white wine. Blended to creamy perfection and finished with fresh thyme and cream, it’s woodsy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying — like capturing the essence of a misty forest in a bowl.
The Hearty Classic: Barley Soup
When the chill sharpens, comfort lies in a slow-simmered barley soup. Pearl barley, with its nutty flavour and soft chew, forms the heart of this rustic dish. Sauté carrots, celery, onions, and garlic in olive oil, add the barley and vegetable stock, and let thyme, bay leaf, and parsley work their magic. The result is a rich, golden broth — nourishing, simple, and deeply satisfying, the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out.
The Creamy Favourite: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A marriage of vibrant vegetable and sharp cheese, broccoli cheddar soup is pure comfort made elegant. Fresh broccoli florets are simmered with onions and garlic, then blended with milk and aged cheddar for a silky, indulgent finish. Each spoonful carries the warmth of cheese and the freshness of greens, crowned best with homemade croutons or a sprinkle of extra cheddar.
The Golden Delight: Sweet Corn Soup
Light yet hearty, sweet corn soup offers gentle sweetness and soothing warmth in equal measure. Kernels of fresh or frozen corn are simmered with ginger, garlic, and spring onions, then lightly thickened for a velvety texture. A dash of white pepper and soy sauce brings balance to its natural sweetness. Served hot, it’s the perfect prelude to winter — simple, wholesome, and universally loved.
As the evenings turn colder, a bowl of soup brings quiet comfort and warmth. Creamy mushroom, sweet corn, or hearty barley — each spoonful tastes like home. Stir, sip, smile — that’s November in a bowl.
