Soup makers are a kitchen appliance ever-growing in popularity. You may wonder if they are just one of those gimmicky items which take up room in your cupboard, are rarely used and have you despairing after the first use, going back to your blender.
However, we are pretty sure you will fall in love. They are much easier to navigate and use than you’d think, and results are pretty much always spot on. Once you own one, you’re going to need some recipe inspiration.
If you don’t yet own a soup maker, our best-rated picks will give you some ideas on which is best for you. Here are our favourite recipe picks.
The Best Easy Soup Maker Recipes
Tomato and Basil
Whether you love it at any time, or it is strictly a cure for colds, tomato and basil is a classic and so easy to rustle up
You will need:
- 3 shallots, chopped
- 5 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 8 basil leaves, chopped
- 800 ml vegetable stock
Add all the ingredients to your soup maker (except the basil) and choose the smooth setting. Follow the instructions on timing depending on your model, and add the basil about halfway through, stirring in
Creamy Leek and Potato
Another classic, with a creamy smooth twist
You will need:
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 1 large leek (chopped)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 100ml fresh cream
- 700ml vegetable stock
Add every ingredient to the soup maker and select the smooth setting. It should take around 20-25 minutes. If you prefer a chunky soup, you may wish to fry the leeks and onions off a little first then select this setting
Vegetable and Lentil
Making your own soup is all about it being healthy, and you can’t get much healthier than this. Perfect if you have some leftovers
You will need:
- 500g mixed vegetables (we like potato, parsnip, carrot and tomatoes)
- 50g lentils
- 800ml vegetable stock
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Herbs and spices of preference
Throw everything into the pot then turn on to the smooth setting. You can add the herbs and spices nearer the end if you’d prefer these to be a stronger taste, and the good news is that pretty much anything goes. The addition of cooked kidney or butter beans at the end adds a twist
Creamy Mushroom
Mushrooms are available all year round which is great, and it is super easy to prepare
You will need:
- 400g mushrooms, washed and chopped
- 100ml fresh cream, plus extra for swirling if wished
- 1L stock (beef works well, but veg can be used)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all ingredients and select the smooth setting. You can add some other ingredients too, such as onion, leek or garlic if you wish
Carrot and Coriander
Coriander is a love-hate herb, but when paired with carrot it makes a delicious soup
You will need:
- 6 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- Large handful of coriander, roughly chopped
- 1L veg stock
Pop the carrots and stock in the soup maker, and set to smooth. Add the coriander near the end of the process for a stronger flavour, or at the beginning for a smoother option
TIP: All of the options above are vegetarian and can be made vegan with a change of cream products, or it can be left out entirely. Or why not add some cooked chicken, ham, chorizo or beef for a meatier option?
They are also designed for mainly smooth consistencies but can be left chunky by picking the dedicated setting. You may need to do a bit more preparation beforehand or cut the vegetables smaller, however.
