There’s little more comforting than tucking in to a warm and hearty soup during the winter months. As we battle through the lowest seasonal temperatures of the year, the lack of sunlight takes its toll on our immune systems – making the flu and all kinds of nasty viruses all the more prevalent. It’s therefore essential that we take measures to help boost our immunity – with the most effective being a healthy diet. In addition to providing an irreplaceable feeling of internal warmth, soups are easy to make and do a great job of nourishing the body with various vitamins and minerals provided through an abundance of fresh vegetables and disease-fighting spices.

1. Minestrone soup with pesto croûtes

A much-loved Italian classic, minestrone soup is not only incredibly tasty but provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals. With your five-a-day well and truly covered in this one dish, you’ll be well on your way to fending off the winter blues. You’ll need to set aside some time for this one, since preparation and cooking time equals to approximately one hour – but it’ll be well worth it!

For the full recipe, see here: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1870/winter-minestrone-with-pesto-crotes

2. Spiced root vegetable soup

There’s something intensely comforting about cooking with winter root vegetables. When picked and cooked in season, they infuse dishes with amazing flavours – proving that healthy can be delicious. This spiced vegetable soup incorporates some of Britain’s most loved roots, including sweet potatoes, parsnips and carrots. With the addition of cumin and chilli spices to give it a kick, this is a winter soup lover’s dream.

Click here for the full recipe: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/877635/spiced-root-vegetable-soup

3. Immune-boosting butternut squash and carrot curry soup

Another popular winter vegetable, butternut squash, is, of course, making an appearance in our recommended soup recipes. Furnishing soups with an appealing colour, texture and sweet flavour it’s no wonder that butternut squash is such a commonly used ingredient. Combined with spices that are known to have medicinal and healing properties, this soup recipe is perfect for giving your immune system the boost it needs.

4. Lentil, tomato, kale and paprika soup

Since emerging as an intensely nutritious superfood, kale has been known to be high in antioxidants and calcium – helping to fight off a broad range of illnesses. Combined with the high protein and iron content of lentils and the extra health benefits of tomatoes and paprika, this soup recipe not only acts as a filling meal but also works its magic on the body’s health and immune system.

5. Roasted cauliflower and turmeric soup

Cauliflower, a staple of the popular British roast dinner, makes for a creamy soup that can be paired with a variety of flavours. Its nutrients are well conserved thanks to the method of roasting, helping to nourish the body with essential vitamins. In addition to a wealth of vegetables, this soup also incorporates turmeric, which acts as an essential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

See here for the full recipe: https://www.thespruceeats.com/cauliflower-and-turmeric-soup-recipe-4126151

Whether you prepare one of these delicious soup recipes for your Sunday lunch or prepare them in batch, the versatility of these soups allows you to adapt the recipes however you wish.