6 Speedy Soups

On your mark, get set, cook: 30 minutes to a hearty supper.

Picture this: You arrive home tired and frazzled, and the family’s already clamoring for supper—now! You’ve got to make it quick and easy, but nutritional balance is a top priority too. Minimal cleanup would also be nice.

My perfect solution? Pull out the soup pot and some handy kitchen staples, and create a wholesome, hearty soup supper in 30 minutes or less. My family is very fond of my cabbage and beef soup with sweet-and-sour flavors and caraway. Salmon, quickly defrosted from the freezer, makes a richly flavored chowder, packed with omega-3s. And I love sweet potatoes as the base for a creamy pureed West African-inspired bisque with peanut butter. These and the three other soups that follow boast an appealing array of healthy vegetables, whole grains and just enough lean protein to fill you up. And, they are budget-conscious and will please the whole family.

The only trick to this mealtime magic is a well-stocked kitchen. With the right staples at the ready, you can have any of these six soups made in minutes whenever the mood strikes.

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