By Amelia Phillips

There’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of soup on a cold winter day. When the temperature drops, it’s time to put soups and stews back on the menu. 

If you need some winter meal inspiration, I’ve got you covered! From vegetarian-friendly soups to health-boosting broths, there’s something for everyone.  

After all, there’s no reason comfort food can’t be nutritious. These five recipes prove that healthy food feels good – and tastes even better!

These delicious soups are designed to nourish your body through the chilly months. Every bowl is packed with anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, and plenty of gut-health goodness.

Best of all, they’re quick to prepare, and most are slow-cooker friendly. These soups and stews tick all the boxes if you need winter dinner inspiration. 

Read on for all the mouthwatering details…

 

Chunky Roast Tomato Soup

Rustic, wholesome, and full of flavour, this roast tomato soup never disappoints! It’s packed with flavour and health benefits, with the addition of garlic, onion, balsamic vinegar and coriander. You could also use basil or oregano for an Italian spin. 

Tomatoes contain potent antioxidants, making this soup great to ward off winter cold. Each bowl will boost your immune system with lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C.

I love the chunky texture of this tomato soup, but if you have picky eaters in the family, you can also puree it. It’s easy to make this soup recipe vegetarian or vegan – just swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth. 

Get the recipe here: Chunky Roast Tomato Soup

 

Homemade Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is a family dinner staple, especially during winter. This recipe packs extra health benefits thanks to natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric, ginger and chilli. Of course, the sensational flavour is just a bonus!

This pumpkin soup recipe is vegetarian and vegan, using organic coconut cream instead of dairy. With only five steps to prepare, you can whip this up for a quick winter dinner or toss everything in the slow cooker. 

Feel free to dial up the chilli to boost metabolism in winter, or leave it out for younger kids. 

Get the recipe here: Homemade Pumpkin Soup 

 

Anti-Inflammatory Cauliflower Soup

Cauliflower is one of my favourite anti-inflammatory foods! If you love a creamy winter soup, this recipe will satisfy your cravings (minus the carbs). 

This filling soup also stars turmeric, ginger and chilli for maximum anti-inflammatory goodness. As a bonus, these ingredients are also natural libido boosters – making it a winter warmer in more ways than one! 

In Australia, cauliflower season starts in autumn, but bumper crops are common throughout the colder months. This makes cauliflower a great-value winter vegetable pick. 

Get the recipe here: Anti-Inflammatory Cauliflower Soup

 

Spicy Seafood Stew

This spicy seafood stew has it all! It’s low in fat, high in protein, dairy-free, quick to prepare, and perfect for entertaining. Vibrant flavours of lime, chilli and coriander will banish any winter blues.

Marinara mix is my staple for this recipe, but you can swap in whatever seafood you have available. When choosing fish, I always look for high omega-3 levels to support cardiovascular health. 

Be sure to add the marinara mix in the last five minutes. Too long on the stove makes seafood tough or rubbery, so less is more. Marinating with lime juice also helps give it a luscious bite!

Get the recipe here: Seafood Stew

 

Easy Bone Broth

Broth-based soups are fantastic for cold and flu recovery! That’s why this easy bone broth is a winter staple in my house. 

Bone broth has potent healing properties and provides essential hydration and nutrients. Gelatin and collagen help with cellular repair, while glutamine heals and restores the gut. 

Homemade bone broth can sound intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll never buy store-bought stock again. It’s also perfect as a base for all kinds of soups and stews. 

All you need is beef bones, oxtail, or a chicken carcass – plus apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. It’s easiest to make in a slow cooker, but a big stockpot works too. 

Get the recipe here: Easy Bone Broth.

 

Amelia Phillips:

I have been in the health and wellness industry for over 25 years, and a fitness nut my entire life. I have enjoyed a career as a trainer, exercise scientist, researcher, nutritionist, podcaster, TV presenter and corporate speaker. 

I co-founded the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation, one of the largest online health & fitness platforms in Australia. (Bigger than Weight Watches!)  

I also have a Masters in Human Nutrition with Deakin University, and published a research paper on diet quality and mental health.

I am a nutrition and fitness expert on Channel 9 Today Extra, as well as appearing on A Current Affair and The Today Show.

I also host a top rating podcast called Healthy Her for Mums who are ready to regain control of their body, mind and life! www.ameliaphillips.com.au