Soothing, Satisfying Soups

warm, comforting flavors in a bowl

Soup is my ultimate comfort food. It brings back warm, fuzzy feelings of the nurturing that went into the pot of chicken noodle my mom or grandma would make for me when I was sick. I always seem to crave a soothing bowl of soup when I get home from a stressful day or a jarring day of travel, and I make soup for family and friends as a way of expressing my love and caring for them. This week it seems we all could use a little soup to calm and nourish us, so please consider these recipes my way of expressing how much I care about you. Enjoy, and be well!

---

---

Split Pea Soup with Leeks and Dill

Photo by Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post

This nourishing split pea soup is as cozy and comforting as the softest flannel PJs. Leek and dill lend it a delightfully different, aromatic flavor, but you could substitute onion and/or parsley or thyme, if you’d like.

---

Creamy Tomato Pumpkin Soup

Photo by Tom McCorkle and food styling by Gina Nistico; for The Washington Post

You might not think to put pumpkin and tomato together, but they are an amazing duo. In this velvety tomato soup, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger provide layers of dynamic, warming flavor that ring of Caribbean cuisine.  Besides being totally delicious, this tomato pumpkin soup is made mostly with ingredients you probs already have in your pantry.

---

Lentil and Macaroni Soup With Swiss Chard

Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post

This homey, satisfying soup is flecked with Swiss chard (you could sub spinach or kale), tomato and whole-wheat elbow pasta and seasoned with a deeply flavorful but mellow mix of Middle Eastern spices.

---