Grandma’s Home Cooking: Comforting Soup Recipes Perfect for Cold Minnesota Nights

Warm up your winter nights with five comforting soup recipes inspired by Grandma’s cozy kitchen, perfect for frosty Minnesota evenings. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Food

ST. PAUL, MN – When the temperature drops in Minnesota, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to keep the chill away. For Jack and me, soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a connection to family, love, and the cozy memories of Grandma’s kitchen.

Jack’s grandma was a culinary genius when it came to soups. Her recipes were simple, hearty, and filled with flavor. Growing up, Jack spent countless winter evenings savoring her homemade chicken noodle soup. The recipe—a mix of tender chicken, garden-fresh veggies, and perfectly seasoned broth—was passed down through generations. Now, every time I make it, the aroma alone transports us back to those warm and loving family gatherings.

In honor of Grandma’s incredible cooking, I want to share a few comforting soup recipes that are perfect for those frosty Minnesota nights. These recipes are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a little warmth to your soul.

1. Grandma’s Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This timeless favorite brings back memories of love and warmth from Jack’s Grandma’s kitchen. Perfectly seasoned broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles make it the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the thyme and bay leaves.
4. Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread.

2. Creamy Potato and Ham Soup

This rich and indulgent soup is the best way to use leftover ham. With creamy potatoes and savory flavors, it’s a filling dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to combine.
4. Add the diced potatoes and ham. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Serve hot with shredded cheddar on top, if desired.

3. Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

A true Minnesota staple, this soup combines earthy wild rice and mushrooms in a creamy, satisfying bowl. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty yet elegant.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the wild rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the broth, whisking to combine.
5. Stir in the cooked wild rice and heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm.

4. Beef Barley Stew

Hearty and filling, this beef barley stew is packed with tender meat, wholesome vegetables, and a nutty barley texture. It’s the ultimate meal for snowy winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 lb stew meat, cubed
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the stew meat over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, thyme, and barley.
4. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot.

5. Vegetable Lentil Soup

This is my fave! Hehe. Light but flavorful, this vegetable lentil soup is a nutrient-packed option that doesn’t skimp on taste. A hint of spice and a squeeze of lemon brighten up every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the garlic, carrots, and zucchini until softened.
2. Add the vegetable broth, lentils, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the spinach and season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon for added brightness.

Grandma’s Warmth and Love—On Your Table!

Each of these recipes brings a bit of Grandma’s warmth and love to your table. They’re perfect for cozy nights at home, especially when the snow is falling outside. Whether you’re looking for something creamy, hearty, or light, these soups will keep you and your family feeling warm and cared for all winter long.

So grab your favorite ladle, whip up one of these comforting soups, and savor the feeling of home—no matter how cold it gets outside. Grandma would approve! Have any recipes of your own? Share them in the comments section below!

RELATED TOPICS: Food | Minnesota

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