Blender Soups for a Cosy, Healthy Winter
As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping up in a blanket and warming up with a bowl of comforting soup. Making blender soups is one of the quickest, healthiest ways to create satisfying winter meals. With the right kitchen tools—like the Duronic BL530 Mini Blender and the BL114 Jug Blender—whipping up a variety of delicious, nutrient-packed soups becomes effortless. And, while blenders are essential, other appliances like slow cookers and air fryers can also complement your winter meal prep, making it easier to enjoy cosy, homemade dishes all season long.
The Benefits of Warm, Nutrient-Dense Soups in Winter
Winter soups are much more than just comfort food—they’re nutritional powerhouses. A warm soup made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices can help you stay hydrated, provide vital nutrients, and deliver comfort with each spoonful. Here’s why incorporating blender soups into your diet this winter can be beneficial:
Nutrient Density: When blending ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and beans, you’re able to retain essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which can be lost with other cooking methods.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Soups, with their high water content, contribute to your daily hydration needs without feeling like you’re drinking endless glasses of water.
Warmth and Comfort: Soups provide that warming sensation, perfect for winter evenings. Plus, with the Duronic BL530 Mini Blender or the BL114 Jug Blender, your soup is blended to the ideal creamy or chunky texture in minutes.
Customisable: From creamy butternut squash to hearty lentil soups, blender soups are incredibly versatile and allow you to cater to specific dietary needs—vegan, dairy-free, or high-protein.
Essential Appliances for Cosy Winter Cooking
Your winter cooking arsenal isn’t complete without a reliable blender, and the Duronic BL530 Mini Blender and BL114 Jug Blender are both stellar options for any soup recipe.
Duronic BL530 Mini Blender: Perfect for smaller servings and quick, nutrient-dense smoothies or soups, this mini blender is versatile for creating one- or two-serving soup recipes. Its compact size and 570ml BPA-free bottle make it ideal for individuals or small households, providing quick soup solutions without any extra fuss.
Duronic BL114 Jug Blender: The BL114 jug blender is a powerhouse with a 1.8L capacity and a robust 1200W motor, suited for larger families or anyone who loves to batch-cook. This jug blender easily handles tougher ingredients like root vegetables, nuts, and ice, thanks to its stainless steel blades. Additionally, it has functions like “Ice Crush” and “Auto-Clean,” making it both convenient and efficient for winter cooking.
Other appliances like a hot plate or air fryer can add versatility to your cooking. For example, air fryers can prepare crispy croutons or roasted vegetables to top your soups, while a hot plate can be a handy tool for gently warming your soup.
Blender Soup Recipes for a Cosy Winter
Here are a few simple blender soup recipes to try with your Duronic BL530 Mini Blender or BL114 Electric Jug Blender this winter. Each one brings warmth and a different array of health benefits.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This classic tomato soup is easy to make and rich in antioxidants. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may promote heart health, while garlic adds immune-boosting properties.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (or about 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
Instructions:
Sauté Vegetables: In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes.
Blend the Soup: Remove from heat. Add fresh basil and use an immersion blender (or transfer to a countertop blender) to blend until smooth.
Adjust Flavour: Stir in sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper. If desired, add heavy cream or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Butternut Squash and Ginger Soup
This soup is both creamy and slightly spicy, offering a perfect balance of flavours. Butternut squash provides vitamins A and C, boosting skin health and immunity, while ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
Add Squash and Broth: Add the cubed butternut squash, broth, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender.
Finish with Coconut Milk: If desired, stir in coconut milk for creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and enjoy warm.
Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup
A hearty, protein-rich soup that’s as filling as it is flavorful. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, supporting vision and skin health, and lentils provide a protein and fibre boost.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
4 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft.
Add Curry Powder: Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Carrots and Lentils: Add the chopped carrots, lentils, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until carrots and lentils are tender (about 20 minutes).
Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender.
Finish with Coconut Milk: Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Heat gently until warmed through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy your warm and cosy soup!
Tips for Making the Best Blender Soups
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, seasonal produce enhances flavour and nutrition.
Add Liquid Carefully: Add broth or water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
Layer Flavours with Spices and Herbs: Fresh herbs and spices like basil, thyme, or cumin can elevate the flavour profile of any soup.
Blend in Batches if Necessary: For larger portions, blend in smaller batches
to avoid overflowing the blender.
Experiment with Creaminess: Coconut milk, oat milk, or a dollop of Greek yoghurt can add creaminess without overwhelming the flavours.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
For a complete meal, try pairing these soups with sides and toppings that enhance their flavours:
Freshly Baked Bread or Toasted Ciabatta: A classic soup companion, bread is perfect for dipping.
Air-Fried Croutons: For added crunch, make homemade croutons using your air fryer.
Herbed Olive Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of olive oil with a pinch of rosemary or thyme enhances the richness of any soup.
Toasted Seeds or Nuts: For an added crunch and nutrient boost, try topping your soup with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make soup directly in the Duronic BL530 Mini Blender?
A: Absolutely! The Duronic BL530 Mini Blender can handle softer ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, and squash for smooth, quick soups. Just make sure to cool down the ingredients slightly before blending, as it is not heat-resistant.
Q: Is the Duronic BL114 Jug Blender easy to clean after making soup?
A: Yes, the Duronic BL114 Jug Blender has an “Auto-Clean” function, making it a breeze to clean. Add some water and a drop of dish soap, and the blender will do the rest.
Q: What’s the difference between the BL530 Mini Blender and the BL114 Jug Blender for soup-making?
A: The BL530 Mini Blender is compact and ideal for single servings, making it perfect for quick personal meals. In contrast, the BL114 Jug Blender is designed for larger batches, suited for families or meal preppers who enjoy batch-cooking.
Q: How do I achieve the perfect soup consistency?
A: Start by blending on a lower setting and gradually increase the speed to avoid over-blending. If using the BL114 Jug Blender, adjust the speed dial to get a texture that’s either chunky or smooth.
Q: Can I blend hot ingredients directly?
A: For hot ingredients, allow them to cool slightly before blending in the BL530 Mini Blender. The BL114 Jug Blender, however, can handle warmer ingredients but be cautious of steam and avoid overfilling.
Conclusion
With a versatile blender in your kitchen, creating cosy and healthy winter meals has never been easier. The Duronic BL530 Mini Blender and BL114 Jug Blender are fantastic tools for blending up smooth, nutrient-dense soups that warm both the body and soul. Whether you're crafting a hearty lentil curry soup or a creamy butternut squash blend, these blenders make winter cooking quick and enjoyable.
So this winter, stay warm, nourish yourself, and make the most of your Duronic blender with recipes that turn simple ingredients into comforting bowls of goodness.
