Soups and Stews Recipes
Comforting soups and hearty stews—Filipino classics, weeknight bowls, slow-cooker wins—with make-ahead tips and storage guides.
White Bean & Turkey Sausage Kale Soup 🥣—Protein-Packed & Comforting
Michael Matthews (adapted by JojoM)
50 min
Intro
Welcome to our cosy collection of soups and stews—broths, chowders, and slow-simmered pots that deliver deep flavour with simple technique. From Filipino comfort bowls (pares, mami, nilaga) to Italian staples (pasta e fagioli, lentil soups) and spicy Korean and Moroccan favourites, you’ll find starters, meal-sized bowls, and batch-cook friendly options. Expect practical guidance on stock building, make-ahead storage, reheating, and freezer strategy so your weeknight dinner—or weekend crowd-pleaser—lands hot, hearty, and fuss-free.
Quick Picks
- Filipino classic: Ultimate Beef Pares Recipe – Filipino Comfort Food Classic
- Noodle comfort: Ultimate Chicken Mami – Chef RV’s Comforting Noodle Soup
- Protein-rich: Italian Lentil Soup with Chicken
- Spice lover’s pick: Hearty Moroccan Harira—Beef, Noodles & Legumes
- Weeknight winner: Pasta e Fagioli with Beans & Greens — Cozy Fall Soup
Make-Ahead & Storage
| Item | Fridge | Freezer | Reheat/Serve Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Beef Pares | 4 days | 3 months | Reheat to a simmer; skim fat, adjust soy/sugar to taste. |
| Chicken Mami | Broth 4 days | Broth 3 months | Store noodles separately; assemble bowls to serve. |
| Creamy Homemade Mushroom Soup | 3 days | Not ideal | Reheat gently; thin with stock or milk to regain silkiness. |
| Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup | 4 days | 3 months | Thaw overnight; brighten with lime and fresh coriander. |
| Filipino Beef Nilaga | 4 days | 3 months | Keep veg a bit underdone if freezing; reheat to bubbling. |
| Pasta e Fagioli | 4 days | 2 months (no pasta) | Cook pasta fresh; loosen with stock when reheating. |
Compare Popular Options
| Dish/Item | Time | Skill | Make-ahead | Best with / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Pares | 2.5–3 h | Intermediate | ★★★★★ | Serve with garlic rice; gains depth overnight. |
| Chicken Mami | 1 h | Easy | ★★★★☆ | Broth holds; build bowls to order for best texture. |
| Moroccan Harira | 2–2.5 h | Easy | ★★★★★ | Ideal for batch-cooking; freezes well. |
| Cream of Mushroom | 30–40 min | Easy | ★★☆☆☆ | Best fresh; avoid boiling after cream is added. |
| Supremely Spicy Chili | 2–2.5 h | Easy | ★★★★☆ | Improves next day; offer sour cream to temper heat. |
| Miso Soup (Tofu & Greens) | 15 min | Easy | ★★☆☆☆ | Don’t boil miso; whisk off-heat for clean flavour. |
Techniques That Matter
- Build flavour early: Brown meats and deeply sweat aromatics before adding liquid.
- Salt in stages: Lightly season stocks; finish bowls to taste to avoid oversalting.
- Starch control: Cook pasta/noodles separately; add just before serving to keep broths clear.
- Clear, glossy broths: Simmer gently (no rolling boil) and skim; boiling clouds stock and toughens meat.
- Overnight rest: Chill stews in their liquid; fat solidifies for easy skimming and flavours meld.
- Dairy handling: Add cream/coconut milk near the end; reheat gently to prevent splitting.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Thin, bland soup → Reduce uncovered to concentrate; add a squeeze of acid (lemon/vinegar).
- Greasy stew → Chill and lift the set fat; finish with herbs for freshness.
- Mushy veg/pasta → Cook separately and add at the end or undercook before chilling.
- Split creamy soup → Don’t boil after adding dairy; temper with warm broth first.
- Flat spice profile → Bloom spices in oil and finish with fresh herbs or citrus.
Serving Ideas / Planner’s Notes
- For mains, serve 350–450 ml per person with crusty bread or steamed rice.
- Offer contrasts: rich stew + crisp salad or pickles for brightness.
- Garnish smart: herbs, chilli oil, lemon wedges, fried shallots, or grated cheese.
- Batch once, enjoy twice: freeze in 1–2 portion containers for faster defrosts.
- Label with date and salt level; you’ll season less aggressively if planning to reduce on reheat.
Featured Links
Warm up with a spicy bowl of Fiery Korean Gochujang Stew (Kimchi Jjigae-Style Comfort!), go creamy with Chicken Pot Pie Soup, or keep it light and quick with 15-Minute Miso Soup with Tofu & Greens.