Basic Soup Recipe: The only one you will ever need!

Last Updated on October 2, 2021 by Diane Hoffmaster

This basic soup recipe is the only one you will need from now on!  Making homemade soup will save you money and it’s easy to make.  So start making soup from scratch for healthier ingredients and fewer cans!

Tips for Making This Basic Homemade Soup Recipe

Soup is one of those things I almost never buy premade.  I am too cheap to pay the ridiculous prices they ask for them and there is just way too much salt in it.  Not to mention the MSG, mushy noodles and questionable meat-like  ingredients they include as well.  Once you start reading up about canned soups, you will think twice about buying them!  

I have come up with a basic soup recipe to help you put together just about every kind of tasty soup you might think of.  This simple homemade soup formula will let you just plug in the ingredients you have on hand and create something tasty for your family. 

More Homemade Soup Recipes

• Easy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe with Apples and Cinnamon
• Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
• Potato Leek Soup with Sausage

 

 

Quick and Easy Soup Recipe

You can serve this simple soup with some corn muffins or garlic bread and a glass of milk. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal!  This is not meant to be an exact soup recipe…just a general formula for you to follow.

Basic Soup Ingredients:

Liquid:

8 to 10 cups of stock.  You can use premade but I usually use at least 1/2 homemade that has been frozen back in the freezer.  If you want a creamy soup you can replace a portion of this  with cream or milk right before serving. For a tomato based soup recipe you can add a can of tomato paste. Can you make soup without stock? Well, you can use water, however, it won’t be as flavorful.

Meat or Protein: 

You will need about 1/2 pound of meat.  This can be leftover cooked chicken or a steak that you thaw and cut into small pieces.  You could also use frozen shrimp or chunks of sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian soup recipe, try adding tofu or chickpeas

Best Veggies for Soup:

Choose about 3 to 4 cups of veggies.  This could be a couple bags of frozen peas and carrots, leftover green beans and a can of corn, or fresh spinach or shredded cabbage (add those at the end…)  Use whatever you have in the fridge/freezer/pantry that you think sounds good.

Starch for Heartier Soup:

This isn’t really necessary but I find that it helps fill people up a little bit more.  Use leftover rice, pasta, diced potatoes, or whatever you have on hand. Amounts will vary depending on the starch chosen and if it is dried for already cooked. 

Something for Sauteing:

4 to 5 TBSP of oil or butter. Olive oil is obviously a healthier choice than butter or bacon fat but depending on your combination of soup ingredients you may want to play around with this.

Seasonings:

Whether you choose dried or fresh is up to you but use more fresh than you do dried.  Salt and pepper are a must and I love the flavor of tarragon or rosemary in a chicken soup and basil or oregano in a tomato based soup.  Start out with just a pinch or two and then taste.  If your soup is still bland, add more.  Adjust amount according to taste and if it is dried versus fresh.

There are many types of salt for you to choose from but be careful, you can quickly ruin your soup recipe with too much salt!

The extra tidbits:

Up to 1 cup garnishes.  You can top your soup with anything from shredded cheese and crumbled bacon to croutons and diced green onion.  Be creative!  

 

Directions for Making This Easy Homemade Soup Recipe

Making  soup from scratch isn’t complicated.  You need a large soup pot to start.   And maybe a long handled wooden spoon.  Other than that, just follow these easy directions. 

1.  In a large pot, add 2 to 3 TBSP of your choice of fat for sauteing
2.  Throw in your meat and veggies and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add in liquid and tomato paste if using (not the milk if using, save that til the end)
4. Add in the seasonings
5. Simmer until things are done.  If you are using raw meat or raw carrots it will take longer than if you are using precooked chicken and a can of corn.  Use your best judgement.
6. Add milk if using
7. Divide into bowls and top with cheese, croutons, or whatever other extras you choose to add.

 

Buying canned soups might be convenient but the quality is usually lacking!  This basic soup recipe will take you from start to finish quickly and it is a much healthier choice!  It is also a great way to clean out the fridge!

 

I would love to know what your favorite soup recipe is!