Soup has always been a comfort food, but these modern twists bring a whole new level of flavor. Whether it’s bold ingredients or unexpected combinations, these soups offer something fresh while still feeling familiar. They may not be what your grandma used to make, but they’re sure to surprise her. Get ready to warm up with soups that mix tradition with a bit of a twist.
Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup
Roasted squash and carrot soup takes about 1 hour to make and combines the sweetness of roasted vegetables with a hint of garlic. The main ingredients include butternut squash, carrots, and a touch of herbs. The roasting process brings out a caramelized flavor, making it both earthy and slightly sweet. It’s perfect for warming up on cool nights.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup
Potato Leek Soup
This potato leek soup is a classic comfort dish that takes just under an hour to prepare. It features potatoes, leeks, and mustard for an extra pop of flavor. The result is a smooth, velvety soup with a mild, savory taste that’s anything but boring. A must-try if you’re looking for something simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Soup
Moroccan Carrot Soup
Moroccan carrot soup takes around 50 minutes to whip up and is packed with spices like cumin and coriander. The main ingredients are carrots, garlic, and a spicy chermoula sauce on top for added kick. It’s a blend of sweet and spicy, perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their meals. Definitely not your average carrot soup.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Soup
Cold Bulgarian Soup
Cold Bulgarian soup is a refreshing dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for hot days. It’s made with kefir, cucumbers, dill, and a sprinkle of walnuts and feta for texture. The flavor is tangy and herby, with the kefir giving it a light, yogurt-like taste. Your grandma probably wouldn’t expect her soup to be served cold like this.
Get the Recipe: Cold Bulgarian Soup
Celery Root Soup
Celery root soup takes about an hour to prepare and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that’s unexpectedly rich. The main ingredients are celery root, onions, and a splash of cream for smoothness. The taste is earthy but subtle, with a natural sweetness that makes it feel hearty without being too heavy. A true modern twist on a classic vegetable soup.
Get the Recipe: Celery Root Soup
Classic Jewish Chicken Soup
This classic Jewish chicken soup takes about 2 hours to make and is as comforting as it gets. It’s made with chicken, carrots, and celery, offering a simple, clean broth. The flavor is light yet rich, with a subtle depth from the long simmering process. It’s grandma-approved, but the flavor is bound to surprise even her.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chicken Soup
Barley, Kale, and Romano Beans Soup
Barley, kale, and Romano bean soup takes about an hour and a half to prepare and is packed with grains and greens. Ingredients like barley, kale, and Romano beans make it both filling and hearty. The flavor is earthy, with the beans adding creaminess while the barley gives it a chew. It’s a modern veggie-packed soup your grandma might want to try herself.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale, and Romano Beans Soup
Roasted Eggplant Soup
Roasted eggplant soup takes around 45 minutes to make and combines roasted eggplant with garlic and tomatoes for a smoky depth. The ingredients come together to create a rich, velvety soup that’s both savory and smooth. The roasted eggplant gives it a slight charred flavor, making it stand out from traditional vegetable soups. It’s definitely a twist grandma didn’t see coming.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup
Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup
Creamy broccoli stems soup takes just 40 minutes to prepare and makes use of broccoli stems instead of florets. Ingredients include broccoli stems, garlic, and a splash of cream for added smoothness. The taste is creamy and savory with a mild broccoli flavor that’s far from overpowering. A thrifty, modern take on using every part of the vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup
Belgian Endive Soup
Belgian endive soup takes around 50 minutes to prepare and brings a unique bitterness to the table. Made with Belgian endives, onions, and a touch of cream, the soup has a flavor profile that’s both rich and slightly tangy. The bitterness of the endives gives it a grown-up, sophisticated twist. It’s a far cry from the soups grandma used to serve.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup
Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup
This sauerkraut soup takes about 45 minutes to prepare and offers a tangy, bold flavor that might surprise you. It’s made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and a bit of cream for richness. The sauerkraut gives it a sharp, almost fermented taste, balanced by the smoothness of the potatoes. A modern twist on something your grandma probably never expected in her soup pot.
Get the Recipe: Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup
Easy Fresh Corn Soup
Fresh corn soup is a light, summery option that takes just 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients include fresh corn, garlic, and a bit of milk for creaminess. The flavor is sweet and creamy, with the fresh corn taking center stage. It’s the kind of soup that’s simple but packed with bright flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Corn Soup
Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo ball soup, ready in about 2 hours, is a beloved staple with a modern twist. Ingredients include matzo balls, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. The soup is light yet comforting, with the matzo balls soaking up all the savory broth. It’s a soup your grandma would instantly recognize, but the herbs give it a fresher, brighter taste.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Ukha Russian Fish Soup
Ukha, a Russian fish soup, takes just under an hour to make and is surprisingly delicate for a fish-based dish. It’s made with fish, potatoes, and fresh herbs, resulting in a light and fragrant broth. The flavor is clean and fresh, with the fish adding a subtle richness. It’s a refined dish that brings a modern touch to traditional fish soup.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup
Ajiaco
Ajiaco is a hearty soup that takes about 2 hours to make and is known for its layers of flavor. Ingredients include chicken, potatoes, corn, and a hint of cilantro. The flavor is rich and comforting, with a slight tang from the guascas herb used in the recipe. It’s the perfect dish to surprise grandma with its depth and complexity.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco
Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup
This Middle Eastern spiced cauliflower soup takes about an hour to prepare and is packed with flavor. The main ingredients include cauliflower, cumin, and coriander for a warming, spiced taste. The flavor is savory with a slight smoky undertone from the roasted cauliflower. It’s a bold twist that would definitely make grandma take notice.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup
Carrot Dill Soup
Carrot dill soup takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is a simple, earthy dish with a bright twist. Ingredients include carrots, fresh dill, and a bit of garlic. The flavor is fresh and slightly sweet from the carrots, with the dill giving it an herby kick. It’s a modern take on a classic vegetable soup that’s light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Dill Soup
Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
Creamy Jerusalem artichoke soup takes around an hour to make and offers a nutty, buttery flavor that’s surprisingly rich. The main ingredients include Jerusalem artichokes, onions, and cream for extra smoothness. The soup has a velvety texture and an earthy taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a modern, luxurious twist grandma would love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup
Pasulj is a hearty Serbian bean soup that takes about 2 hours to prepare. The main ingredients are white beans, smoked meat, and a dash of paprika. The flavor is smoky and rich, with the beans providing a creamy texture that’s filling and comforting. It’s a modern yet nostalgic dish that brings warmth with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup
Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew
Moqueca is a Brazilian fish stew that takes about 1 hour to make and brings bold flavors to the table. It’s made with fish, coconut milk, and bell peppers, resulting in a rich, tropical flavor. The taste is creamy with a slight sweetness from the coconut and a savory depth from the fish. It’s a dish that would add a little sunshine to grandma’s table.
Get the Recipe: Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew
Broccoli Kale Soup
Broccoli kale soup takes just 40 minutes to prepare and packs a healthy punch with its nutrient-rich ingredients. Broccoli, kale, and a little garlic are all you need to make this green powerhouse. The flavor is fresh and slightly bitter, but balanced by the smoothness of the broccoli. It’s a modern take on leafy greens that grandma wouldn’t expect.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Kale Soup