Winter is coming… are you?

A lot of “easy” soup recipes call for more ingredients than you have on hand in your fridge, pantry, and cabinets combined. Okay, so that’s a bit of an overstatement, but it’s true they’re often more complicated than they claim to be. Some require planning in advance with your grocery list, or wrangling your pressure cooker for an all-day cooking affair. Which, sometimes, that just isn’t what you want or need. When you want to cozy up with a hot steaming bowl to alleviate your woes, but the thought of standing over the counter dicing, slicing, *and* simmering feels like a Very Big Chore, that’s where the simplicity of soup comes in. I firmly believe that soup can fill the void in your soul (and maybe ease your anxiety too), which is why you need these easy, straightforward soups that will still deliver amazing flavor and comfort to boot.

From dairy-free to bean-forward, there are a million ways to soup, and none of them need to be extra complicated. So, if you’re looking for a steaming bowl of goodness that doesn’t require sweating over the stove: I’ve got you. Here are 12 easy soup recipes that will save you on days when you just need to not think too hard about your next meal.

1. For something dairy-free: Lentil Soup in a Snap

For a vegetarian and dairy-free option, lentil just can’t be beat. The legume is full of protein and fiber to keep you satiated and filled with some energy for the rest of the day. Even if you’re just hanging about the house, it’s nice to feel a little fired up.

Get the recipe here

2. For something that’s straight from the pantry: Salsa Soup

This recipe is an absolute treasure—and it starts with just a jar of Trader Joe’s salsa. To give it a more creamy consistency, you can run it through a food processor to enjoy the smoky fall flavors. Serve it alongside tortilla chips or rich avocado for even more comfort.

Get the recipe here