Winter is almost here and Soup Season has officially arrived. This is the time of year many people look forward to as the temperatures drop and the comfort foods take center stage.

For generations, soup has been a staple in the comfort foods category, valued for its versatility in flavors, warmth and ability to bring people together around the table. There’s something undeniably comforting about coming home after a long day to the smell of a simmering pot on the stove full of fresh ingredients. From brothy classics to creamy blends, the craving for a steaming bowl of soup after a tiring day is universal.

From home kitchens to restaurants, gluten-free, budget-friendly, and health-focused soups are having a moment, demonstrating that cozy and nutritious can absolutely go together. These recipes below celebrate the season’s best flavors while keeping wellness in mind, here are a few gluten-free, affordable favorites perfect for cozy nights in.

Chicken Tortilla Soup:

5 1/2 cups of gluten free, low sodium chicken broth

2 cups of diced chicken (cooked)

1 can of pinto beans (drained)

1 1/2 cups or corn (frozen or canned)

1 can of red diced tomatoes (drained)

3 tsp. of cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1 small can of diced green chilies

1 garlic clove (minced)

1 white onion (chopped)

2 tbsp. of olive oil

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil, medium heat, in a large pot for about 30 seconds.
2.  Add chopped white onion and minced garlic clove to the pot, cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add diced chicken, spices, chicken broth, corn, tomatoes, black beans, green chillies, stir and bring to a boil.
4. Once it starts to boil, let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
6. After 30 minutes has passed, feel free to garnish your soup with cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce, and enjoy!

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:

2 yellow onion (diced)

1 orange bell pepper (chopped)

1 sweet potato

2 pounds ground turkey

2 garlic cloves (minced)

2 carrots (diced)

1 can of tomatoes (diced)

1 can of tomato sauce

2 cups of water

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. cumin

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. black ground pepper

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions: 

1. In a large pot over medium/high heat add olive oil for about 1 minute, then add sweet potato, carrots, garlic cloves, onion, and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes, vegetables should be softened.
2. Add ground turkey to pot and cook until browned, stirring often for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add tomato sauce, water, diced tomatoes, and all seasonings into pot. Bring this to a boil and reduce to a simmer, on low heat, for about 45-60 minutes.
4. Add toppings to your chili, if desired. A dollop of sour cream, sliced jalepenos, shredded cheese, cilantro, or green onions to give your chili extra flavor and a kick!

Holiday Corn Chowder

3 cups of corn (frozen or fresh)

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

3 medium gold potatoes (diced & peeled)

1 cup chives (chopped)

1 yellow onion (diced)

1 lemon (juiced)

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. black ground pepper

2 cans of green chilies (diced)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a medium/large pan on stove, then add onions and cook until softened.
2. Add chicken broth, corn, potatoes. Bring to a simmer on low heat, cover and cook for about 15 minutes.
3. stir in green chilies, lemon juice, add addition salt and pepper for taste preference
4. cook for approximately 45 minutes and enjoy!
5. You may want to garnish your soup with sour cream, tortilla crisps, additional chives, or jalepenos for toppings