The best soups, stews, and hot pot recipes are delicious any time of year, but they are especially comforting when the wind howls and the temperature drops. Instead of just grabbing some canned soup from the pantry, try warming your bones with these 12 soups, stews, and hot pot recipes that you can share with family and friends.
Sichuan Hot Pot
A hot pot is an Asian stew that is meant for sharing. In China, it is typical for people to gather in groups around a large, communal pot filled with all types of meat and vegetables. Hot pot ingredients can include beef, fish, tofu, mushrooms, noodles, bamboo shoots, carrots and so much more. The Sichuan hot pot, though, brings a spicy flavor to the forefront of the dish that is a signature marker of the province’s cuisine. Just like in this TheWoksofLife.com recipe, Sichuan hot pot is a Chinese hot pot that requires the use of chiles and Sichuan peppercorns.
Gnocchi Soup
Looking for a hearty Italian soup recipe? Gnocchi soup is a wonderful, filling choice. The round, thick, and chewy potato-filled gnocchi pasta is sure to hit the spot, especially when paired with a healthy amount of vegetables in a tomato-based broth. Try this savory Italian Soup with Vegetables & Gnocchi recipe from ACoupleCooks.com.
Moroccan Beef Stew
Despite the fact that making Moroccan Beef Stew takes some time, it is actually a very easy beef stew recipe. All you have to do is prepare the ingredients, and let the slow-cooker do its work! Food Network’s Moroccan Beef Stew recipe consists of main ingredients such as carrots, beef, prunes, harissa spread, celery, and tomato paste. It is the Moroccan spices in this recipe that truly makes the stew.
Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is one of the best soups when it comes to comfort food. The main ingredients? Corn, heavy cream, and potatoes. Take a cue from TheChunkyChef.com’s Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder recipe by adding bacon bits, onions and chives.
Mongolian Hot Pot
Mongolia has had a long, intertwined history with China. It makes sense, then, that they share many things, including cuisine. The Mongolian version of the Chinese hot pot is centered around lamb as the main protein. Follow this TheSpruceEats.com recipe for Traditional Mongolian Hot Pot with Lamb and make it at home and for guests.
Seafood Hot Pot
Not a big meat or tofu fan? Try making a seafood hot pot instead. Add some shrimp, scallops, squid, or other types of fish to the broth along with vegetables and thin noodles, such as cellophane noodles or glass noodles (also called bean thread noodles). Fish balls are a popular way to include seafood into a Chinese hot pot.
Italian Lentil Soup
This is another Italian soup recipe that is savory, healthy, and very filling. Lentils are rich in fiber and protein, which leaves you feeling satisfied. Get even more nutrients by adding several types of vegetables to the broth, such as diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, and zucchini. CookingClassy.com’s recipe for Italian Vegetable Lentil Soup also calls for kale, which is a superfood that is also filled with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Moroccan chickpea stew is a flavorful vegan stew recipe filled with wonderful spices. This recipe for Moroccan Chickpea Stew from SpiceCravings.com calls for spices ranging from chili garlic to coriander. Like the other Moroccan dish on this list, this is an easy stew recipe to follow because all you need to do is gather all of the ingredients into a pressure cooker. Chickpeas are an integral part of Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine, and they are a great source of fiber and protein for vegans and vegetarians.
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Talk about an Italian classic! Pasta Fagioli is a staple in traditional Italian cuisine and is often eaten as part of a multi-course meal. It is defined by its small noodles, such as ditalini pasta or orecchiette pasta. Its other signature characteristic is the use of white beans or cannellini beans. Pancetta and other vegetables such as carrots and celery are also typical ingredients in a Pasta Fagioli recipe, like this recipe from Bon Appetit.
Potato Cheese Soup
Making potato cheese soup is really easy and straightforward. So if you’re not extremely confident in your cooking abilities, this is a recipe you don’t have to worry about messing up. So what are the ingredients to potato cheese soup? Potatoes, cheese, and not much else! Food & Wine suggests using chopped onion and chives. Want a “loaded” potato soup? Throw in some bacon! Now that’s comfort food.
Thai Coconut Curry Soup
Thai curry dishes are incredibly rich in both flavor and texture. There are several types of curry, such as green curry, yellow curry, and red curry, which have different spice levels and ingredients. In making Thai curry, fatty coconut milk is the key ingredient. This gives the spicy curry a creamy base and savory taste. Thai curry typically features vegetables such as peppers, potatoes, and carrots. It is an incredible vegetarian soup, but can also be made with chicken. Take a look at CookieandKate.com’s recipe for Thai Red Curry with Vegetables for inspiration.
Hungarian Sausage Stew
Hungarian stews are all about sausage—a very important part of Hungarian and Eastern European cuisine. Hungarian sausage stew recipes, like this one from Epicurious.com, are all about heavy meat and chunky vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and potatoes. Hungarian sausage stew is definitely a great way to fill up and ward off the cold weather! Still hungry? Check out these 6 heart-warming Italian dishes.