There's nothing quite like a big bowl of homemade soup on a chilly evening, especially when you've spent the day dreaming about getting home and changing into your comfy clothes.

But, not every soup is filling enough to count as dinner. Sometimes, you're hungry again before you've finished washing the dishes.

Fortunately, a few wholesome ingredients can turn an ordinary bowl of soup into a proper meal. These five recipes are full of vegetables, protein, and ingredients that'll keep you coming back for another spoonful.

1. Creamy Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup

This cozy Italian-inspired soup is rich and creamy without needing heavy cream. 

The white beans add protein and fiber, while a little lemon brightens everything up.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cups chopped kale

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pot. 

2. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and rosemary.

3. Add the beans and broth. 

4. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Blend 1 cup of the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot.

6. Add the kale and cook for 5 minutes. 

7. Stir in the lemon juice and season.

2. Hearty Chicken, Barley, and Vegetable Soup

Chicken noodle soup is wonderful, but barley gives this version a nice, chewy texture and makes it all the more satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot. 

2. Cook the onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.

3. Add the barley, broth, and thyme. 

4. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 35 - 45 minutes, until the barley is tender.

6. Stir in the chicken, heat thoroughly, and season.

3. Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

A little smoky spice, tender sweet potatoes, and hearty black beans make this a delicious meat-free dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large sweet potato, diced

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion in olive oil for 5 minutes. 

2. Add the garlic, paprika, and cumin.

3. Stir in the sweet potato, beans, tomatoes, and broth.

4. Simmer for 20 - 25 minutes, until the sweet potato is tender.

5. Season and lightly mash some of the beans to thicken the soup.

4. Cozy Lentil, Spinach, and Tomato Soup

This is the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day. 

Lentils make it hearty, while tomatoes and spinach add plenty of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and carrots in olive oil for 5 minutes. 

2. Add the garlic and oregano.

3. Stir in the lentils, tomatoes, and broth.

4. Simmer for 30 - 40 minutes, until the lentils are tender, adding water, if needed.

5. Stir in the spinach until wilted, then season.

5. Creamy Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup

Who says comfort food can't include plenty of vegetables? 

This creamy, cheesy soup is a fabulous dinner on a cold night.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup milk

• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a pot and cook the onion for 5 minutes.

2. Add the potatoes and broth. 

3. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add the broccoli and cook for another 10 minutes, until tender.

5. Mash some of the vegetables, stir in the milk, and warm gently.

6. Remove from the heat, stir in the cheddar until melted, and season.

A Little Something Extra for Your Soup Bowl

A good homemade soup doesn't need anything more than a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of toasted seeds to make dinner even more satisfying.

And the best part is most of these soups keep in the refrigerator for three to four days, so tomorrow's lunch is already taken care of. Now, all you need is your favorite bowl, a big spoon, and somewhere cozy to enjoy it.

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