Be tempted by tasty winter soup

There’s something truly special about the comfort a bowl of soup can bring – especially during the lingering chill of late winter.

On those grey, blustery days when the sun still hides behind clouds and the evenings close in too soon, a simmering pot of homemade soup fills your home with warmth, nostalgia and the gentle promise that spring is just around the corner.

At Starts at 60, we know that food isn’t just about sustenance – it’s about comfort, connection and making cherished memories. And nothing says “welcome home” quite like the aroma of soup gently bubbling away on the stove.

Why Soup Is the Hero of the Season

Late winter is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of soup. It’s economical – making the most of seasonal produce and pantry staples – and practical, providing enough for dinner one night and a quick, delicious lunch the next. Making soup is a habit many of us learned from our mothers or grandmothers, stretching a handful of vegetables, a scoop of grains, or some leftover meat into nourishing meals that soothe the soul as much as they fill the belly.

Here are three winter soups that warm the heart and soul:

Classic Chunky Vegetable and Barley Soup

Nothing brings back memories of lively family dinners around the kitchen table quite like a bowl of vegetable and barley soup. With a base of sweet carrots, parsnips and hearty potatoes, pearl barley thickens the pot and adds a dose of fibre, making every spoonful deeply satisfying. This recipe is all about celebrating humble ingredients and letting them shine – no fuss, no fancy extras.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 parsnip, chopped
• 3/4 cup pearl barley
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 5L vegetable stock
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Directions:
 Sauté the onion in a little olive oil until fragrant, then add in carrots, celery, potatoes and parsnip. Let them soften for a few minutes before tossing in the pearl barley, tomatoes, thyme, and stock. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then let simmer for about 45 minutes. Enjoy it with crusty bread and you can keep the leftovers for tomorrow’s quick lunch. The flavours will be even richer.

Creamy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup

As the last pumpkins and sweet potatoes linger in the markets, this creamy soup brings a splash of colour and comfort to your table. It’s smooth, naturally sweet and needs no added cream to deliver on richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pumpkin, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1L chicken or veggie stock
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

Directions:
 Start by gently softening the onion and garlic, then add the pumpkin, sweet potato, nutmeg and stock. Let everything cook together until meltingly tender, then puree until silky. Serve with a dollop of yoghurt or a sprinkle of seeds for extra flair. There’s always enough for lunch the next day, when the sweetness of the pumpkin really shines through.

Hearty Chicken and Lentil Soup

This one’s for days when you need something both filling and frugal. Using chicken thighs for flavour and protein, plus red lentils for substance, it’s the ultimate “stretch it further” meal – a true friend to your wallet and wellbeing.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup dried red lentils
• 1 leek, sliced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5L chicken stock
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Directions:
 Bring chicken, leeks, carrots, garlic, rosemary and stock to a boil. Add the lentils, let simmer until everything is tender, then shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Serve hot, relishing the comfort and nourishment in every mouthful.

Why soup is the practical choice

Soup’s superpower lies in its ability to turn simple ingredients into something truly wonderful – feeding a family, warming a friend, or simply bringing you comfort on a cold day. It’s a meal that invites you to slow down and savour, and the leftovers always seem even better the next day. As the evenings slowly begin to stretch out and winter’s hold loosens, a steaming bowl of homemade soup is the perfect way to nurture both body and spirit. It reminds us that, often, the little things in life are the most rewarding.