How to Make a Soup for a Crowd

Got a big group coming over? Need a meal that's easy, cheap, and yummy? Look no further: soup is your answer!

Why Soup? It's Perfect for a Crowd!

Why is soup so great for feeding a lot of people? Here's why:

• Cheap! You can use beans, lentils, veggies, and broth. These are all easy on the wallet.
• Easy to Make More: Soup is easy to double or triple! No need to be a fancy chef.
• So Many Choices: Tomato soup, chili… you name it! There’s a soup for everyone. And, you can make it vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, easy!
• Make it Early: Soup tastes even better the next day. Less stress for you!
• Keeps Warm: Just keep it in a slow cooker or on the stove. Everyone gets a hot bowl.

Pick the Right Soup!

Picking the right soup is important. Think about these things:

1. What Can People Eat?

Does anyone have allergies? Are they vegetarian? Ask first! Then, pick a soup that works for everyone. Or, pick one you can change easily.

2. What Season Is It?

Veggies that are in season are cheaper and taste better. Root veggies are great for fall and winter. Tomato soup? Perfect for summer.

3. How Easy Is It to Make?

Simple is best when cooking for a crowd. One-pot soups are your friend!

4. What Flavors Do People Like?

Stick with flavors most people enjoy. Chicken noodle, tomato, or veggie soup are all safe bets. Let people add their own toppings to make it their own!

Yummy and Easy Soup Recipes

Here are some great soup recipes that are easy to make for a big group:

1. Creamy Tomato Soup

Everyone loves this soup! Make it vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and plant-based cream.

What You Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot. Cook onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and cook for 20-30 minutes.
3. Use a blender to make the soup smooth. Be careful!
4. Add cream (if you want) and salt and pepper.
5. Serve with grilled cheese or bread.

2. Hearty Chili

Chili is always a hit, especially when it’s cold outside. It’s easy to change to make it your own!

What You Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or veggie crumbles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings (optional): cheese, sour cream, onions, avocado

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot. Cook onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add meat and cook until brown. Drain any extra fat.
3. Add garlic, tomatoes, beans, broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and cook for 30-45 minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings!

3. Chicken Noodle Soup

A classic soup that everyone loves. Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.

What You Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add thyme and rosemary.
3. Add noodles and cook like the package says.
4. Add chicken and heat it up.
5. Add salt and pepper.

4. Lentil Soup

A healthy and filling soup with lots of protein. Red or brown lentils are good.

What You Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown or red lentils, rinsed
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add lentils, broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and cook for 30-40 minutes, until lentils are soft.
3. Take out the bay leaf. Add salt and pepper.
4. Serve with lemon, if you like.

Making More Soup!

Okay, you picked a recipe. Now, how do you make more? Here’s how:

• How Many People? Count your guests. It’s better to make too much than not enough. Plan for about 1 1/2 cups of soup for each person.
• Do the Math: If the recipe feeds 6, and you need to feed 30, multiply everything by 5!
• Big Pots and Spoons: You'll need a really big pot. And long spoons for stirring and serving.
• Taste It! Add more salt, pepper, or spices if you need to.

Make It Early!

Want to save time? Make the soup ahead of time.

• Cool It Down: Let the soup cool completely before putting it in containers.
• Fridge or Freezer: Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
• Thaw It Out: If it's frozen, put it in the fridge the night before.
• Heat It Up Slowly: Reheat it on the stove or in a slow cooker.
• Add Last-Minute Stuff Later: Add pasta or herbs right before serving.

Keep It Warm!

Keep the soup warm so everyone can enjoy it.

• Slow Cooker: This is a great way to keep soup warm. Stir it now and then.
• Stovetop: Keep it on low heat. Stir it so it doesn't burn.
• Chafing Dishes: These look nice for serving soup.
• Insulated Containers: Use these to keep soup warm when you're taking it somewhere.

Make It Special!

Make your soup even better with these ideas:

• Bread: Serve with bread, rolls, or grilled cheese for dipping.
• Crackers: Offer different kinds of crackers.
• Toppings: Let people add their own toppings!
  • Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan)
  • Sour cream or yogurt
  • Chopped onions
  • Fresh herbs
  • Avocado
  • Croutons
  • Hot sauce
• Salad: A side salad makes a nice meal.
• Drinks: Offer water, tea, lemonade, or soda.

That's It!

Now you know how to make soup for a crowd! Pick a good recipe, plan ahead, and have fun. Your guests will love it!