Healthy American Soup Recipes

Soups are a staple in many American households, offering a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy a meal. They’re perfect for chilly evenings, cold winter days, or as a nutritious snack any time of the year. Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and creamy or light and refreshing, there’s an American soup recipe out there for everyone.

From classic comfort foods to bold and spicy flavors, American soup recipes are incredibly diverse. In this article, we’ll explore 10 popular American soup recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen. We’ll dive into the ingredients, instructions, and cooking techniques required to make each delicious soup. Get cozy and let’s begin our culinary journey!

Clam Chowder

Clam Chowder is a classic New England-American soup made with succulent clams, vegetables, milk, and butter in a rich and creamy broth. The combination of tender clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and sometimes bacon creates a hearty soup that’s satisfying and flavorful. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, salt pork, or other types of fish.

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 stalks celery, diced
* 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 cans (6.5-7 oz) minced clams, drained and chopped
* 1 cup clam juice
* 1 cup whole milk
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 6 slices of bacon, diced

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the chopped potatoes, clams, clam juice, and milk. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using bacon, add it to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and classic American soup that’s been a staple of households for decades. The combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and flavorful vegetables creates a nourishing soup that’s perfect for colds, flu, or just as a comforting meal. It’s easy to make and customize to your taste.

Ingredients

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
* 2 cups of chicken broth
* 1 medium-sized onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, sliced
* 2 celery stalks, sliced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1 cup of egg noodles
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Season with thyme and basil.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tomato Soup

Tomato Soup is a classic American soup that’s made with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs in a rich and creamy broth. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a delicious soup that’s perfect for snacking or as a comforting meal. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as heavy cream or grated cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
* 4 cups of chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the soup is heated through.
3. If using cheese, add it to the soup and stir until melted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting American soup made with slow-cooked beef, barley, and vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth. The combination of tender beef, soft barley, and flavorful vegetables creates a nourishing soup that’s perfect for cold winter days or as a comforting meal.

Ingredients

* 2 pounds beef (such as beef strips or short ribs)
* 2 cups of beef broth
* 2 cups of water
* 2 cups of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions)
* 1 cup of pearl barley
* 2 teaspoons dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine beef broth, water, beef, and vegetables. Cook over high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours or until the beef is tender.
3. Add the barley and cook for another 30 minutes or until it’s softened.
4. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder is a creamy and comforting American soup made with fresh corn, potatoes, onions, and herbs in a rich and flavorful broth. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a delicious soup that’s perfect for snacking or as a comforting meal. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or cooked bacon.

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups of chopped cooked corn
* 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 cups of chicken broth
* 1 cup milk or cream
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 6 slices of bacon, diced

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add the chopped corn, potatoes, and chicken broth. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. In a separate saucepan, warm milk or cream over low heat.
4. Add the warm milk or cream to the soup and stir until combined.
5. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. If using bacon, add it to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chili Soup

Chili Soup is a spicy and flavorful American soup made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chilies in a rich and savory broth. The combination of bold flavors creates a delicious soup that’s perfect for snacking or as a comforting meal. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or cumin.

Ingredients

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
* 1 can of kidney beans, drained and chopped
* 1 can of diced green chilies
* 2 cups of beef broth
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: shelled and chopped pecans, diced bell peppers

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, green chilies, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the soup is heated through.
4. Add the beef broth and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If using pecans or bell peppers, add them to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Potato Soup

Potato Soup is a creamy and comforting American soup made with boiled potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs in a rich and light broth. The combination of tender potatoes and flavorful vegetables creates a delicious soup that’s perfect for snacking or as a comforting meal. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as bacon or grated cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 cups of chicken broth
* 1 cup milk or cream
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 6 slices of bacon, diced; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and milk or cream. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. In a separate saucepan, warm milk or cream over low heat.
4. Add the warm milk or cream to the soup and stir until combined.
5. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. If using bacon or cheese, add it to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup is a classic American soup made with split peas, pork, onions, garlic, and herbs in a rich and flavorful broth. The combination of tender peas and savory flavors creates a delicious soup that’s perfect for snacking or as a comforting meal. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as diced carrots or celery.

Ingredients

* 1 pound dried split peas, soaked overnight
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups of water
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 2 pounds cooked ham, diced

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine split peas, water, onion, garlic, thyme, and sage. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes or until the peas are tender.
2. Add butter to the soup and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes or until the soup is heated through.
3. If using ham, add it to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a spicy and flavorful American soup made with shredded chicken, tortillas, onions, garlic, and chilies in a rich and savory broth. The combination of bold flavors creates a delicious soup that’s perfect for snacking or as a comforting meal. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or sour cream.

Ingredients

* 1 pound shredded or diced cooked chicken
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
* 2 cups of chicken broth
* 2 cups of torn tortillas
* 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 2 diced bell peppers, sour cream

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and shredded chicken to the saucepan. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the soup is heated through.
3. Add the torn tortillas to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or until they’re slightly softened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using cheese or cilantro, add it to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. If using bell peppers or sour cream, add them to the soup and serve hot.

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Broccoli Soup is a delicious and healthy American soup made with steamed broccoli, onions, garlic, and herbs in a rich and creamy broth. The combination of tender broccoli and flavorful vegetables creates a nutritious soup that’s perfect for snacking or as a comforting meal. You can customize it with additional ingredients, such as grated cheddar cheese or sour cream.

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4-5 cups of broccoli florets
* 2 cups of chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add the broccoli florets, chicken broth, and thyme to the saucepan. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
3. In a separate saucepan, warm heavy cream over low heat.
4. Add the warm heavy cream to the soup and stir until combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If using cheese or parsley, add it to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!