Here’s our winter soup recipe round-up! These soups are all made with nourishing ingredients that are sure to warm you up on a cold winter day. One of the standout ingredients in each of these soups is honey or honey sticks, which adds a touch of natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Whether you're in the mood for a creamy butternut squash soup, a comforting carrot soup, or a hearty lentil soup, there is something here for everyone. We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make a batch of comforting, honey-infused soup this winter.
Why Make soups with honey or honey sticks this winter?
There are a few reasons why honey can be a great addition to soups during the winter months:
- Honey is a natural sweetener that can add a touch of sweetness to savory soups, helping to balance out the flavors and make the soup more comforting and satisfying.
- Honey is a natural source of antioxidants and has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding honey to your soups can help to boost their nutritional value and may provide some health benefits.
- Honey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of soups, including creamy pureed soups, hearty lentil soups, and more. It can add depth of flavor and help to bring out the natural sweetness of the other ingredients in the soup.
- Soup is a classic winter comfort food, and adding honey can help to make it even more comforting and nourishing. Honey especially in the form of a a flavored honey stick can be a great way to add some extra warmth and coziness to your winter soups.
Here are some ideas for winter soups that feature honey as an ingredient:
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Honey and Thyme
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus additional for roasting the squash)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon honey or approximately 4 honey sticks
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: additional thyme leaves, diced cooked bacon, or a drizzle of cream.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut a butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
- While the squash is roasting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a chopped onion and a couple cloves of minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened.
- When the squash is done, let it cool slightly and then scoop the flesh into the pot with the onions and garlic.
- Add 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, along with a tablespoon of honey (approximately 4 honey sticks) and a teaspoon of thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend it in batches.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of honey or honey stick and a sprinkle of thyme.
Honeyed Carrot Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 quart chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons honey (approximately 8 honey sticks)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or basil), a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a chopped onion and a couple of cloves of minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened.
- Add a pound of chopped carrots to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, until the carrots start to soften.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are very tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend it in batches.
- Stir in a tablespoon or 2 of honey or honeysticks and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
Honey and Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup lentils
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 tablespoon honey (approximately 4 honey sticks)
- Handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or basil), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: additional fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a chopped onion and a couple cloves of minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened.
- Add a cup of lentils and cook for another minute, until the lentils are lightly toasted.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Add a cup of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and/or bell peppers) to the pot and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the contents of 4 honeysticks or a tablespoon of honey and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
Honey and Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons honey (8 honeysticks)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: a dollop of yogurt, chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans), or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro).
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 2 pounds of peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or open 8 honey sticks.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped nuts if desired.
Honey and White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white beans (such as navy or cannellini beans), soaked and drained
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon honey (4 honey sticks)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or basil).
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of soaked and drained white beans (such as navy or cannellini beans) to the pot, along with 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey (4 honeysticks).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or basil) if desired.
Why make soups with honey this winter?
There are a few reasons why honey can be a great addition to soups during the winter months:
- Honey is a natural sweetener that can add a touch of sweetness to savory soups, helping to balance out the flavors and make the soup more comforting and satisfying.
- Honey is a natural source of antioxidants and has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding honey to your soups can help to boost their nutritional value and may provide some health benefits.
- Honey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of soups, including creamy pureed soups, hearty lentil soups, and more. It can add depth of flavor and help to bring out the natural sweetness of the other ingredients in the soup.
- Soup is a classic winter comfort food, and adding honey can help to make it even more comforting and nourishing. Honey can be a great way to add some extra warmth and coziness to your winter soups.
I hope these ideas inspire you to make delicious and nourishing honey-infused soups this winter!