Simmering Down for the Holidays: A Family Soup Tradition for Nourishing Body & Soul

The air is crisp, a gentle frost kisses the windowpanes, and the scent of woodsmoke hangs in the air. But something else, something infinitely more comforting, fills the air within our home this time of year: the rich, earthy aroma of simmering soup. It's a scent that speaks of warmth, of nourishment, and of togetherness – a scent that signals the start of our family's cherished holiday soup tradition. As the days grow shorter and the holiday season unfolds, we gather in the kitchen, not for elaborate feasts and extravagant gifts, but to create something simple, wholesome, and deeply meaningful: soup made from scratch, using the bounty of the season.

This tradition is more than just a way to feed our bodies; it’s a way to nourish our souls, connect with nature, and embrace the slow, mindful pace of the season. We minimize food waste, maximize flavor, and, most importantly, create lasting memories around a shared bowl of warmth. Come join us as we share our family’s soup-making tradition, a practice rooted in simplicity and bursting with the hygge of the holidays.

The Rooted Tradition: Why Soup?

Soup. It's a humble dish, often overlooked in the flurry of holiday baking and roasting. But soup holds a special place in our hearts and in the history of food. For centuries, it's been a staple in cultures around the world, a way to stretch ingredients, provide essential nutrients, and warm bodies from the inside out, especially during harsh winters.

Our family’s soup tradition began generations ago, born out of necessity and passed down through the years. My grandmother always said, "A good soup can cure anything," and while I wouldn't go quite that far, I do believe there's something profoundly healing about a bowl of homemade goodness. The act of making soup, of patiently simmering vegetables and herbs, is a meditative process, a welcome antidote to the stress and pressures that often accompany the holidays.

Beyond its nutritional and emotional benefits, making soup together strengthens our family bonds. Chopping vegetables side-by-side, sharing stories and laughter as the broth simmers, creates lasting memories that we cherish year after year. It’s a skill we’re passing down to our children, ensuring that this tradition will continue to nourish future generations. The best part? Anyone can make a fantastic soup, regardless of their cooking expertise!

Seasonality in a Bowl: Harvesting Winter's Bounty

The beauty of our soup tradition lies in its adaptability to the seasons. During the winter months, we rely on the hearty vegetables that thrive even when the days are short and cold: squash, carrots, potatoes, leeks, kale, garlic, and onions. We source these ingredients whenever possible from our own garden (even a small plot can yield a surprising amount of winter produce!), local farmers' markets, or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

Shopping locally not only supports our community but also ensures that we're using the freshest, most flavorful ingredients available. When the butternut squash is particularly sweet, we make a creamy roasted butternut squash soup. When the leeks are plentiful, we simmer a warming potato and leek soup. And when the kale is bursting with vitality, we add it to almost everything!

Adapting our recipes to the available seasonal produce is part of the fun. If we can't find a particular ingredient, we simply substitute it with something similar. For instance, if we're out of carrots, we might use parsnips or sweet potatoes instead. This flexibility keeps things interesting and encourages creativity in the kitchen. Certain herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and garlic also offer immune-boosting properties, making our winter soups not only delicious but also beneficial for our health.

The Recipe: A Foundation for Creativity

While we love to experiment with different flavor combinations, we always start with a basic soup recipe that serves as our foundation:

Simple Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups vegetable broth (see instructions below for homemade)
• 2 cups chopped potatoes
• 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (e.g., squash, kale, parsnips)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the potatoes, seasonal vegetables, thyme, and rosemary. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations:

• Add protein: Stir in cooked beans, lentils, or pasta for a heartier soup.
• Make it creamy: Puree the soup with an immersion blender for a smooth and velvety texture. Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra richness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Homemade Vegetable Broth:

Don't throw away your vegetable scraps! You can easily make your own flavorful and nutritious broth using onion skins, carrot tops, celery ends, and other vegetable trimmings. Simply simmer the scraps in a large pot of water for 1-2 hours, then strain and store.

Reducing Waste: From Scraps to Stock & Beyond

One of the most rewarding aspects of our soup tradition is its ability to minimize food waste. As mentioned above, we use vegetable scraps to make homemade broth, transforming what would otherwise be discarded into a flavorful base for our soups.

We also make sure to store leftover soup properly, freezing it in individual portions for quick and easy meals. Soup freezes beautifully and can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And if we happen to have any soup leftover after a few days, we find creative ways to repurpose it. It can be used as a base for sauces, stews, or even as a flavorful addition to rice or quinoa.

Composting is another essential part of our waste-reduction strategy. We compost all of our vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and other food waste to enrich our garden soil, creating a closed-loop system that benefits both our family and the environment. Reducing food waste is not only good for the planet but also saves us money and reduces our environmental footprint.

Gathering Around the Table: Sharing the Warmth

Ultimately, our soup tradition is about more than just making soup; it's about creating a sense of connection and warmth during the holiday season. We make a point of sharing our soup with family and friends, inviting them to gather around our table and enjoy a simple, nourishing meal together.

We set the table with natural elements, lighting candles and playing soft music to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. As we share the soup, we encourage conversation and storytelling, reminiscing about past holidays and sharing our hopes for the future.

Our family's soup-making tradition is more than just a recipe; it's a cherished ritual that nourishes our bodies, strengthens our bonds, and fills our hearts with warmth and joy. Paired with homemade bread, it's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter's night.

Embrace the Season of Simplicity

As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to embrace the magic of slowing down, connecting with nature, and sharing simple moments of joy with your loved ones. Whether you adopt our soup tradition or create your own, we hope you find ways to nourish your body and soul during this special time of year.

What's your favorite way to celebrate the holidays in a simple, meaningful way? What are your family's favorite holiday traditions? Share them below! We’d love to hear from you. And if you try our soup recipe, be sure to tag us on social media using #BetterHomesHarvestsSoup.

May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of delicious, homemade soup!