9 Soup and Stew Recipes for the First Evening After the Clocks Change
When the clocks change, the earlier dusk can make the first evening feel like a signal to slow down. These nine soups and stews range from creamy, blended bowls to chunky pots with beans, lentils, and vegetables, so you can pick a supper that fits the time you have. Pair a bowl with bread or a sandwich, and settle in for a warming meal as the evening gets darker sooner.
Vegetable Soup
On the first dark evening after the clocks change, Vegetable Soup makes a filling one-pan supper with carrots, leeks, cannellini beans, spinach, peas, and rosemary in savory broth. The beans give the bowl enough body to serve as dinner instead of just a starter, while the greens go in near the end to stay bright. Add grated Parmesan and bread, and freeze extra portions for another cold evening.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Deeply roasted squash gives Roasted Butternut Squash Soup its savory warmth, with curry powder and coconut milk balancing the natural sweetness. Roasting before blending caramelizes the edges and concentrates the flavor, while onion, garlic, and broth build the soup into a smooth bowl. Serve it with herb toast for a cozy supper, then refrigerate or freeze extra for a busy evening later in the week.
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Mulligatawny Soup
Gently spiced and thick enough to feel like a meal, Mulligatawny Soup combines red lentils, chopped apple, curry powder, turmeric, and basmati rice. The lentils soften as they simmer and give the broth a hearty texture, while apple adds a mild sweetness that balances the spices. A swirl of cream finishes each bowl. Make a pot ahead, since the flavors deepen and the soup reheats well for dinner the next day.
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Pea and Mint Soup
Bright green and fresh-tasting, Pea and Mint Soup brings a lighter option to an evening when you still want something warm. Frozen peas, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, lime, and fresh mint make a quick soup that comes together in under 30 minutes. Blend it smooth and top with crunchy croutons, then serve with a grilled cheese sandwich or thick slices of bread to make supper more substantial.
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Mushroom Soup
Silky texture and browned mushroom flavor make Mushroom Soup a satisfying bowl for a quiet night at home. Real mushrooms cook down with slowly caramelized onions, while blended vegetables and sour cream give the soup body without a roux or heavy cream. Paprika, dill, and a little soy sauce add depth. Top it with extra sautéed mushrooms and parsley, and serve with toast for an easy evening meal.
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Vegetable Stew
Thick, chunky spoonfuls make Vegetable Stew a hearty choice when the evening turns dark early. This adaptable pot is packed with vegetables and herbs for a rich flavor and substantial texture, and it works well for meatless dinners or when you want to use what is in the fridge. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping. The stew freezes well, so make extra and keep a portion ready for another night.
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Cheesy Broccoli Soup
Roasted broccoli gives Cheesy Broccoli Soup a deeper flavor than a quick simmer alone, while garlic, mint, ricotta, cheddar, and vegetable stock make a creamy, savory bowl. It takes about 30 minutes and can be made ahead or frozen for later. Add crisp croutons and more shredded cheese on top, then pair it with warm bread for a simple supper that feels right as the daylight fades.
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Lentil Soup
The creamy coconut base in Lentil Soup softens the warmth of curry spices and chili flakes, while lentils make each bowl hearty enough for dinner. Caramelized onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and lime build layers of flavor, with cilantro adding a fresh finish. This soup freezes and reheats well, so it is a practical pot to prepare before a busy week. Serve it with rice or bread for a fuller meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Roasted Tomato Soup
Roasting tomatoes and garlic brings a rich, mellow flavor to Roasted Tomato Soup, with onion, thyme, olive oil, and vegetable broth rounding out the base. Hands-on prep takes about 10 minutes before the oven softens and caramelizes the vegetables. Blend the soup smooth and finish with half-and-half, then serve it with grilled cheese or toasted bread. It is a familiar, satisfying dinner for the first chilly evening after the clocks change.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup