Winter is creeping in, and there’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to help you settle in for the night. You’re on a Paleo diet, which means you’re enjoying all the health benefits of eating like our ancestors—rich in meats, fresh vegetables, and without those processed additives. Cold weather offers the perfect excuse to indulge in hearty Paleo soups, packed full of flavor and nutrients. In this guide, we’re diving into some of the best Paleo soups for chilly days, and we’ll point you toward some handy products that can make the process easier and more enjoyable.
The Basics of Paleo Soup
When it comes to Paleo soups, you want to stick to ingredients that are natural, unprocessed, and filled with nutrition. Imagine a steaming pot filled with nourishing bone broth, fresh seasonal vegetables, and tender chunks of grass-fed meat—all simmered together to create a wholesome and flavorful bowl of comfort. You’ll be using ingredients like carrots, onions, garlic, leafy greens, herbs, and spices—staying away from anything processed or grain-based.
To create a soup worthy of a cozy winter night, you’ll want to make sure you have a solid collection of basic Paleo staples. For example, a good quality bone broth is essential. If you’re not making your own, you might want to try Kettle & Fire Bone Broth available on Amazon—a top-rated option that people rave about for its taste and quality.
Let’s jump into some of the most satisfying Paleo soups you can make to keep yourself cozy and healthy all winter long.
1. Classic Chicken & Vegetable Soup
Nothing beats the classic chicken and vegetable soup when it’s cold outside. It’s comfort in a bowl, and the Paleo version is even more nutritious.
Start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They’re perfect for creating a deep, rich flavor. You can easily find Organic Free-Range Chicken Thighs at your local store, but if you want convenience, ButcherBox offers a subscription service for quality meats that deliver right to your door—which could be a lifesaver if you prefer to stay cozy indoors.
For the base, use chicken bone broth (again, Kettle & Fire is excellent). Sauté some onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a heavy-bottomed pot—like a Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Amazon has it listed, and it’s a fantastic investment for any cook. Once your veggies are softened, add the chicken thighs, bone broth, and some bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
Simmer it all for about 40 minutes, then shred the chicken into pieces, discarding the bones and skin. You’ll have a rich, wholesome soup filled with juicy chicken and tender vegetables—perfect for a cozy night in.
2. Hearty Beef & Kale Stew
For a beefy option, a hearty beef and kale stew is perfect for those days when you need something extra comforting.
Begin by browning some grass-fed beef stew meat. If you’re interested in sourcing high-quality grass-fed meat, consider US Wellness Meats or ButcherBox. Browning the meat in a couple of tablespoons of ghee (you can find Fourth & Heart Ghee Butter on Amazon) will create a rich base of flavor.
Add in diced onions, garlic, and carrots, and cook until the vegetables begin to soften. Pour in beef bone broth and add chopped tomatoes (look for Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes), some bay leaves, and thyme. Let this simmer for about an hour until the beef is tender.
Towards the end, throw in a few cups of chopped kale. Kale is packed with vitamins and stays bright and flavorful even after cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This stew is a protein-packed, nutrient-dense option that will leave you satisfied.
3. Creamy Roasted Cauliflower & Garlic Soup
When you’re craving something creamy but want to keep it Paleo-friendly, this roasted cauliflower and garlic soup is a must-try. You won’t believe how rich and luscious it tastes without any dairy at all.
To start, roast a head of cauliflower and a few garlic cloves in a bit of olive oil until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. You can use California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a highly-rated choice that’s great for roasting and cooking.
Once roasted, add the cauliflower and garlic to a blender along with some coconut milk (consider Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk for a creamy consistency) and chicken bone broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into a pot, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, and let it warm up on the stove.
This soup has an indulgent texture that makes it hard to believe it’s completely dairy-free and Paleo. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without being too heavy.
4. Spicy Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup
For something with a little kick, this spicy sweet potato and sausage soup is sure to be a hit. The combination of smoky sausage and sweet potatoes makes for an irresistible flavor.
Start by selecting a sugar-free sausage that fits with the Paleo diet. Aidells Chicken & Apple Sausage is a popular option with no added sugars or fillers. Slice the sausage and brown it in your pot.
Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Throw in chunks of sweet potato, bone broth (chicken or beef), a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (again, Muir Glen is a great choice), and some smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a kick.
Let it simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, then taste and adjust your seasonings. The smoky, spicy flavor combined with the sweetness of the potatoes makes this soup incredibly comforting on a cold day.
5. Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
Butternut squash and apple soup is the perfect way to celebrate seasonal produce during the fall and winter months. It’s slightly sweet, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.
Peel and cube a butternut squash and chop up an apple—a tart variety like Granny Smith works best. Roast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil until they’re golden and tender.
In a pot, sauté a diced onion until soft, then add the roasted squash and apple. Pour in some chicken bone broth and let everything simmer for a few minutes. Use an immersion blender (like the Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Hand Blender, a best-seller on Amazon) to blend the soup until smooth.
Finish with a swirl of coconut milk for added creaminess and a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth. This soup is comforting with a hint of sweetness that’s perfect for sipping on chilly nights.
6. Paleo Zuppa Toscana
If you’ve ever had Zuppa Toscana at an Italian restaurant, you know how delicious and comforting it can be. This Paleo version keeps all the deliciousness while skipping the cream and potatoes.
Start by browning some Italian sausage (again, make sure it’s sugar-free—Applegate Naturals makes a good one) in your pot. Add diced onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Instead of potatoes, use cauliflower florets. Add them to the pot with some chicken bone broth and let them cook until tender. Throw in a few big handfuls of chopped kale and let it wilt down.
For creaminess, add a can of coconut milk and stir well. The result is a rich, hearty soup that’s just as satisfying as the original, without any of the dairy or grains.
Essential Tips for Making Perfect Paleo Soups
- Use High-Quality Bone Broth: Bone broth is the key to a good Paleo soup. It adds depth of flavor and a boost of nutrients like collagen, which is excellent for your joints and skin. If you’re not making your own, opt for trusted brands like Kettle & Fire or Bonafide Provisions.
- Get the Right Cooking Tools: A good Dutch oven is a must for making soups and stews. The Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a classic, durable choice that helps evenly distribute heat. Additionally, an immersion blender makes it easy to blend soups right in the pot without needing to transfer hot liquid to a stand blender.
- Spices Are Your Best Friend: Fresh herbs and spices can completely transform a soup. Stick to fresh garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and parsley for a well-rounded flavor profile. Don’t forget to add a touch of spice with ingredients like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to keep things interesting.
Paleo Soup Garnishes
Don’t forget about the garnishes! They can add texture, flavor, and make your soups look extra special.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives add a burst of freshness.
- Coconut Cream: Drizzle some coconut cream on top of your soups for a creamy finishing touch.
- Crumbled Bacon: Cook up some sugar-free bacon and crumble it over the top of soups like the Paleo Zuppa Toscana for added crunch and flavor.
Making Soup Even Easier
If you’re pressed for time, consider prepping your ingredients in advance. Chop up all your veggies on the weekend and store them in airtight containers in the fridge so you can easily throw together a soup during the week. You might also want to invest in a slow cooker (like the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker, which has thousands of great reviews) to let your soups simmer all day while you’re out, filling your home with a comforting aroma that welcomes you in from the cold.
Enjoy the Warmth of Paleo Soups All Winter Long
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of hot soup on a cold day, especially when it’s made with simple, nourishing ingredients that make you feel great. These Paleo soups are perfect for any winter day—whether you need something quick to warm you up after a day out in the snow, or you’re looking to savor something hearty and comforting for dinner.
With the right ingredients, tools, and a bit of love, you can create soups that are not only Paleo-friendly but are sure to warm both your body and soul. So grab your favorite Dutch oven, stock up on bone broth, and get ready to enjoy a winter full of delicious, comforting soups that align with your Paleo lifestyle.