11 Soup and Stew Recipes That Taste Like Fall

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup or stew to enjoy the flavors of fall. These comforting dishes feature seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and hearty meats, all seasoned with cozy spices like cinnamon, cumin, and thyme. Whether you’re craving a creamy soup or a hearty stew, these recipes bring the essence of autumn to your table, making them perfect for chilly evenings.

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Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup starts with roasting the squash to bring out its natural sweetness and develop its deep, earthy flavors. To prepare, peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss it in olive oil and roast it at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until softened, then add vegetable or chicken broth, roasted squash, and a blend of spices like cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of paprika. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the squash is fully softened, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. For a rich finish, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk, and garnish with freshly chopped sage or a swirl of sour cream. Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.

The combination of roasted butternut squash and the mix of aromatic spices makes this soup the perfect cozy dish for fall. The creamy texture, enhanced by the sweetness of the squash and the warmth of the spices, creates a deliciously comforting meal. Adding a little heat with cayenne or chili flakes can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the squash. Whether served as a starter or as the main course, this soup’s vibrant color and rich flavor make it a true fall favorite.

Pumpkin and Lentil Stew

Pumpkin and lentil stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin alongside the earthy flavor of lentils. Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until soft and fragrant, then add diced pumpkin (or canned pumpkin puree) along with vegetable broth, red lentils, and a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. Simmer the stew for about 25-30 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and the lentils are cooked through. The lentils will break down slightly, thickening the stew and giving it a rich, hearty texture. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a subtle kick. For extra creaminess, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

This stew is not only filling but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the combination of protein-rich lentils and vitamin-packed pumpkin. The warming spices complement the sweetness of the pumpkin, making it the perfect dish for cool fall nights. Serve with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s a one-pot dish that’s easy to prepare and full of comforting fall flavors.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

Sweet potato and black bean soup is a flavorful, nutrient-packed dish that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the hearty richness of black beans. To prepare, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until softened. Then add cubed sweet potatoes, canned black beans, vegetable broth, and a generous amount of cumin, paprika, and thyme. Simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through. You can blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency or leave it chunky for more texture. Once the soup is ready, season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste, and top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans creates a filling and well-balanced soup, perfect for a fall meal. The sweetness of the potatoes is perfectly balanced by the earthy black beans, and the warm spices like cumin and paprika add depth and warmth to the dish. This soup is not only comforting but also hearty enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Beef and Barley Stew

Beef and barley stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly fall nights. Start by browning chunks of beef stew meat in a large pot with a little olive oil until the meat is well-seared. Remove the beef and set it aside, then add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Return the beef to the pot and pour in beef broth, water, and a bay leaf. Add a generous portion of barley, and let the stew simmer for about an hour and a half, or until the meat is tender and the barley is fully cooked. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste, and finish with a splash of vinegar for brightness.

The barley in this stew soaks up the rich flavors from the beef and vegetables, making each spoonful hearty and satisfying. The meat becomes tender and flavorful after hours of slow simmering, while the barley provides a chewy texture that complements the other ingredients. This stew is perfect for making in advance, as it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Serve with a slice of rustic bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

Chicken and sweet potato stew is a nourishing, flavorful dish that brings together lean protein and hearty root vegetables. Begin by browning bone-in chicken thighs or breasts in a large pot, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened, then add diced sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and a variety of spices like thyme, cumin, and paprika. Return the chicken to the pot and let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender. You can shred the chicken right into the stew for more texture, or leave it whole. To add a creamy finish, stir in some coconut milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, and the warming spices like cumin and paprika give the stew a cozy, comforting flavor. This dish is a great way to enjoy fall’s root vegetables while keeping the meal light and protein-packed. It’s filling enough to be a main course, and you can serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a more substantial meal.

Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup

Creamy pumpkin and spinach soup is the ideal dish to embrace the flavors of fall. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add canned pumpkin purée, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Once the vegetables are tender, blend the mixture until smooth, creating a creamy base. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt in the hot soup. For extra creaminess, add a swirl of heavy cream or coconut milk, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

The combination of rich pumpkin and fresh spinach gives this soup both a sweet and savory flavor profile, perfect for a fall day. The creaminess from the added dairy balances the earthiness of the pumpkin, while the spinach provides a burst of color and nutrition. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the comforting, autumnal feel of the dish. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Apple and Butternut Squash Soup

Apple and butternut squash soup is a great way to showcase the seasonal produce of fall. Begin by roasting peeled and cubed butternut squash in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper, until tender and slightly caramelized. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and apple slices until soft. Add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, and a sprinkle of thyme and sage. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Blend the soup until smooth, and for extra creaminess, stir in a bit of coconut milk or cream. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

This soup combines the sweetness of the apples with the earthy flavor of the squash, creating a harmonious balance. The subtle addition of sage and thyme enhances the fall flavors, making each spoonful feel like a warm embrace. It’s a light yet filling soup, perfect for lunch or dinner on crisp autumn days. Serve with a slice of rustic bread or top with a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch.

Beef and Pumpkin Stew

Beef and pumpkin stew is a hearty, savory dish that combines tender beef with the seasonal sweetness of pumpkin. To prepare, start by browning chunks of beef stew meat in a pot, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and celery, then add diced pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots. Pour in beef broth and add herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Let the stew simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the beef is tender and the pumpkin has softened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to add warmth to the flavor.

The pumpkin in this stew provides a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and hearty vegetables. The long-simmering process helps the flavors meld together, creating a rich, comforting stew. This dish is filling and can be served with a side of warm bread or over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal. It’s the perfect dish for cozy family dinners during the fall season.

Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and leek soup is a simple yet delicious fall dish, combining the earthiness of potatoes with the mild sweetness of leeks. To start, sauté chopped leeks and garlic in butter until softened. Add diced potatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, and a bay leaf. Simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, blend the soup until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture, or use an immersion blender to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and finish with a swirl of cream for added richness.

The creamy texture of the potatoes makes this soup both comforting and satisfying, while the mild, onion-like flavor of the leeks adds a delicate, savory element. The warmth of thyme and the richness of the cream elevate the flavors, making it the perfect dish for a cool evening. This soup is great on its own or paired with a slice of crusty bread for a heartier meal. It’s easy to make and ideal for a simple fall dinner.

Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Stew

Chicken, sweet potato, and kale stew is a hearty and nourishing dish packed with fall flavors. Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add diced sweet potatoes, chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in), and chicken broth. Season with a mix of thyme, paprika, and cumin, then let the stew simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, stir in chopped kale and cook until wilted. You can add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

This stew balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes with the savory chicken and the earthy bitterness of kale. The warming spices like cumin and paprika make the dish aromatic and comforting, while the chicken provides protein to make it a complete meal. It’s perfect for cooler evenings when you want something filling and healthy. Pair it with a slice of whole-grain bread for a wholesome, satisfying dinner.

Carrot and Ginger Soup

Carrot and ginger soup is a light yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of fall with its sweetness and spice. To prepare, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add sliced carrots, grated fresh ginger, and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the carrots are tender. Once cooked, blend the soup until smooth and creamy, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. For extra richness, stir in some coconut milk or a dollop of cream before serving.

The combination of sweet carrots and spicy ginger creates a balance of flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing. The soup’s smooth texture, coupled with the warmth of the ginger, makes it a perfect fall dish. The addition of coconut milk gives the soup a silky finish, while the nutmeg adds a cozy, seasonal touch. Serve it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a deliciously comforting meal.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.