Something that can take the chill off in winter is a good bowl of rich soup. Winter soups are distinctive because they tend to be hearty, warm and full of flavor. They are unlike lighter summer fare. Here are some recipes so that you can keep toasty with a great winter soup.

Vegetable and Red Lentil Soup

This is a healthy and satisfying winter soup that is easy to make. Put four chopped carrots and a diced onion into a large pot and cook for five minutes. Add in a teaspoon of ground cumin and cook for another minute. Add a can of diced tomatoes, 15 ounces of vegetable broth, a cup of dried red lentils and two cups of water. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for another 10 minutes. Make certain the lentils are soft and edible. Throw in several handfuls of baby spinach to finish the soup and serve right away.

Winter Squash and Pumpkin Soup

This is a classic winter soup spiced up with a little pumpkin. Cook two cups of chopped onions in a large pot with a little oil or butter in the bottom for 10 minutes. Throw in one and a half pounds of peeled and diced butternut squash. Add in three cups of chicken broth and a can of pure pureed pumpkin. Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes on medium-low. Cook until the squash is soft and tender. Blend the soup when done. Put it back into the pot with a cup of half-and-half. Cook for a few more minutes and serve with some grated gruyere cheese on top.

Corn and Tomato Chowder

This hearty winter dish can be made with fresh or leftover ingredients. Cook a diced green pepper and onion in a good-sized saucepan for around five minutes with oil. Put in a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute. Add in a can of diced tomatoes with the juice, 15 ounces of chicken broth and a cup of water. Bring to a boil. Drop in a can or 15 ounces of corn, two cups of cooked chopped or shredded turkey and a quarter cup of heavy cream. Heat everything through and then serve right away.