18 Cozy Soups And Stews Just Like Nanna Used To Make
There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of soup or stew that warms both the body and soul. These 18 recipes bring back the nostalgic flavors and aromas of Nanna’s kitchen, each one a loving embrace of tradition, simplicity, and heart. Whether it’s a sick day cure or a Sunday supper delight, these soups and stews are timeless treasures that remind us of home.
1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Remember the days when chicken noodle soup was the ultimate remedy for anything that ailed you? With tender chicken, egg noodles, and a medley of vegetables swimming in a golden broth, it’s the soup that’s synonymous with comfort.
Whether served on a sick day or as a Sunday-night staple, this beloved classic never fails to bring warmth to the soul. It’s like a gentle hug in a bowl, reminiscent of Nanna’s care and love.
Perfect for any occasion, chicken noodle soup is a timeless treasure that always tastes like home.
2. Beef and Barley Stew
Slow-cooked beef mingles with chewy barley and root vegetables in this hearty stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the type of dish Nanna would let simmer all day, filling the house with its rich aroma.
Every spoonful delivers tender meat and wholesome barley, making it the ideal comfort food for chilly days.
This stew is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a nostalgic journey back to simpler times when flavors were bold and hearts were warm.
3. Split Pea Soup with Ham
Thick, savory, and super filling, split pea soup with ham is a classic that tastes best when made with leftover holiday ham bone.
Its rustic texture and robust flavor make it a favorite for those who appreciate hearty, no-nonsense dishes.
The slow melding of peas and smoky ham creates a harmony of flavors that feels as cozy as it does satisfying. It’s like a warm blanket on a cold day, comforting and familiar.
4. Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup
No bells or whistles—just tons of chopped veggies, stewed tomatoes, and a seasoned broth that tastes like home. Old-fashioned vegetable soup is the epitome of simplicity and nourishment.
With every spoonful, you’re reminded of garden freshness and the essence of wholesome cooking.
It’s the kind of dish that never goes out of style, making it a timeless choice for those who seek both flavor and comfort.
5. Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Velvety, buttery, and shockingly simple, creamy potato leek soup is a childhood favorite that turned many into leek lovers.
Its smooth texture and gentle flavors make it a comforting dish that’s both refined and accessible.
Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, this soup is the embodiment of comfort, capturing the essence of simplicity with every creamy spoonful.
6. Chicken and Dumplings
Pillowy dumplings floating in creamy chicken stew? Yes, please. Chicken and dumplings are pure comfort from top to bottom.
This dish is a celebration of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a favorite among those who appreciate heartwarming meals.
With every bite, you’re transported to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and love, where food is more than sustenance—it’s a joyful experience.
7. Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Soaked white beans, smoky ham, and simple spices—it’s what simmered on the stove all afternoon back then.
Navy bean and ham soup is a testament to the art of slow cooking, where patience yields delicious rewards.
Every bowl is a reminder of the past, a warm embrace from the kitchen that never goes out of style. It’s simplicity at its finest, yet deeply satisfying.
8. Cabbage and Sausage Soup
Budget-friendly, cozy, and full of bold flavor, cabbage and sausage soup fed a crowd without fuss.
This dish proves that humble ingredients can create memorable flavors, capturing the heart of home cooking.
With its robust taste and satisfying texture, it’s a timeless classic that delights both the palate and the soul, offering warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful.
9. Tomato Basil Soup
Rich, slightly sweet, and smooth, tomato basil soup is a delightful dish that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese.
Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite for those seeking comfort and satisfaction.
Every spoonful is a taste of summer’s bounty, a reminder of sun-kissed tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and rich.
10. Creamy Corn Chowder
Sweet corn, potatoes, and bits of bacon or ham in a rich, milky base define creamy corn chowder.
This Midwest must-have is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a comforting dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a symphony of taste that warms the heart and delights the senses, a true testament to the magic of home cooking.
11. Beef and Cabbage Soup
Light yet hearty, beef and cabbage soup was a classic “clean out the fridge” meal that always exceeded expectations.
Its simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
With every spoonful, you’re reminded of the ingenuity of home cooking, where creativity and resourcefulness shine, turning humble ingredients into delicious comfort food.
12. Chicken Rice Soup
The cozier cousin of chicken noodle, chicken rice soup is all about comfort and warmth.
Soft rice soaks up the flavorful broth, creating a thick and filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Every bite is reminiscent of a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and love, offering a taste of nostalgia that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.
13. Lentil Soup
Hearty, earthy, and packed with veggies, lentil soup is a nourishing dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Sometimes made with sausage, sometimes not, this versatile soup adapts to whatever’s on hand, always delivering rich flavors and wholesome satisfaction.
It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, deepening its flavors and continuing to comfort with every bite.
14. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Post-Thanksgiving leftovers turn magical in creamy turkey and wild rice soup, a rich and hearty dish that’s freezer-friendly.
The combination of tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and creamy broth creates a comfort food classic that’s both satisfying and delicious.
As the flavors meld, this soup becomes a reminder of holiday gatherings, family warmth, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
15. Oxtail Stew
Deeply flavorful, fall-off-the-bone meat in a dark, slow-cooked broth defines oxtail stew, just like Nanna made on cold Sundays.
This dish is a celebration of slow cooking, where patience and love create a symphony of flavors that warms the soul.
Every spoonful is a taste of tradition, a reminder of family gatherings and shared laughter, making it a beloved classic that never goes out of style.
16. Minestrone Soup
Loaded with beans, pasta, and veggies in a tomato base, minestrone soup is a versatile dish that reflects the spirit of home cooking.
She probably tossed in whatever she had on hand, proving that the best recipes often come from creativity and resourcefulness.
This soup is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
17. Stuffed Pepper Soup
Everything you love about stuffed peppers—ground beef, rice, tomato sauce—just in soup form.
Cozy and satisfying, stuffed pepper soup is a twist on a classic dish that retains all the flavors and textures you adore.
It’s a culinary delight that offers a unique take on a beloved favorite, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
18. Chicken Corn Soup (Pennsylvania Dutch Style)
With hard-boiled eggs, rivels (little dumplings), and sweet corn, this cozy regional classic is pure nostalgia in a bowl.
Chicken corn soup is a testament to the rich culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations, offering a taste of history and heritage.
Its unique combination of ingredients and flavors creates a comforting dish that’s both delicious and meaningful, capturing the essence of home cooking.