When the weather outside has you reaching for your coziest blanket, whip up a delicious, comforting bowl of your favorite soup or stew to stay warm and toasty. Most soup recipes require little preparation other than browning onions, chopping vegetables and grinding spices. Luckily, all of these tasks can be done ahead of time. Save stress and strain in the morning by preparing your meal the night before: Prepare and store ingredients in the refrigerator overnight; then, in the morning, consign everything to the pot before turning it on and leaving for the day.

What’s more, homemade soups and stews provide wholesome ingredients needed to energize and replenish your body during winter, including complex carbohydrates and complete proteins in the form of legumes, whole grains, lean meats, roots and other fresh winter vegetables.

Below we feature some of our best soups and stews throughout the years, as well as a recipe for a crusty no-knead bread, simple instructions for preparing your own homemade stock, and tips for finding the best slow cooker. Read on and simmer up some of our favorite recipes. (You will want to whip up a bowl of your own right away!)

Black Bean Chili

This is no ordinary chili. Enjoy it with or without homemade cornbread crust.

See the recipe.

Corn Chowder Soup

This innovative chowder uses smoked Gouda to amp up the flavor.

See the recipe.

Enchilada Soup

Savor the flavors of enchiladas in this zesty, cheesy enchilada soup recipe.

See the recipe. 

Three Sisters Soup

Try this wonderful combination of beans, corn and squash.

See the recipe.

Faux Chicken Soup

This innovative chowder uses smoked Gouda to amp up flavor.

See the recipe. 

Thai Coconut Soup

This soup is loaded with beneficial herbs and healthy fats.

See the recipe.

Tomato-Basil Crab Bisque

Impress dinner guests with this superbly creamy crab bisque.

See the recipe.

Beef & Root Veggie Stew

Simmer up a delicious dimension of this herb-infused, vegetable stew.

See the recipe.

Chicken Noodle Soup

A steaming bowl of homemade noodle soup is the perfect remedy for a cold.

See the recipe.

White Bean and Kale Stew

This adaptation of a Tuscan dish is a nutritional powerhouse.

See the recipe.   

Southern Brunswick Stew

This is a traditional favorite for large get-togethers.

See the recipe.

New Potato & Parsley Soup

Olive tapenade tops this simple but delicious recipe.

See the recipe.

Ivory Carrot Soup

Garnish this soup with carrot greens to firmly lock in flavor.

See the recipe.

Miso Soup

Enjoy this pick-me-up soup as a winter breakfast or a light evening meal.

See the recipe.

Creamy Split Pea Soup

Serve with crusty cornbread or ladle it over some steamed rice.

See the recipe.

Chickpea Wheat Berry Soup

The wheat berries give this soup a great chewy texture.

See the recipe.

Summer Soup

Showcase summer produce in this vibrant, fresh-tasting soup.

See the recipe.

Leek and Cauliflower Soup

This is a heartwarming, creamy soup with a satisfying lemon tang.

See the recipe.

Slow-Cooker Chili

Try adding a few extra shakes of chili powder to this spicy recipe.

See the recipe.

Chicken-Artichoke Soup

Whip up a batch of this hearty soup for friends and families.

See the recipe.

Sweet Corn Chowder

This nutritious recipe is a favorite among potluck gatherings.

See the recipe.