3 Simple Soups to Beat the Winter Chill & Stay Healthy

As the temperature drops in London, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to boost your mood and your immune system. If you’re living in student halls like Robeson House, these three recipes are perfect: they are budget-friendly, use minimal equipment, and are packed with nutrients to keep that winter flu at bay.

1. The Immunity Booster: Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper

There is nothing quite like the smell of roasting vegetables filling your kitchen on a dark Tuesday evening. Packed with Vitamin C, this soup is your best defense against seasonal sniffles.

• Why it’s healthy: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, and red peppers provide more Vitamin C than oranges!
• The Recipe:
• 1. Chop 6 tomatoes and 2 red peppers into chunks. Toss with olive oil, salt, and 2 cloves of garlic.
• 2. Roast in the oven at 200°C for 25 minutes until slightly charred.
• 3. Transfer to a pot, add 500ml of vegetable stock, and blend until smooth.
• Pro Tip: Add a pinch of chili flakes to kickstart your metabolism!

2. The "Get Well Soon" Bowl: Ginger & Turmeric Miso

When the London damp starts to get to you and you feel a "tickle" in your throat, this soup is your secret weapon. It is a light, zingy, and restorative broth that feels incredibly clean on the palate. The ginger provides a sharp, spicy kick that clears the sinuses, while the miso adds a savory "umami" depth. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel instantly more awake and revitalized after just a few sips.

• Why it’s healthy: Ginger and turmeric are powerful anti-inflammatories, while miso provides gut-healthy probiotics.
• The Recipe:
• 1. Grate a thumb-sized piece of ginger and 1 carrot into a pot.
• 2. Add 500ml water and simmer for 5 minutes.
• 3. Turn off the heat (very important!) and whisk in 1 tbsp of Miso paste and ½ tsp turmeric.
• 4. Add some tofu cubes or spinach for an extra nutrient hit.

3. The Hydration Hero: Chayote, Sweet Corn & Carrot

Chayote (also known as Mirliton) is a hidden gem for students, it’s incredibly cheap in local London markets, lasts a long time in the fridge, and has a mild, refreshing taste that absorbs flavors beautifully.

This is a classic "clear soup" style that is light, naturally sweet, and incredibly hydrating, perfect for when you’ve spent too many hours in a dry, heated library.

• Why it’s healthy: Chayote is low in calories but high in folate and antioxidants that support heart health and cellular repair.
• The Recipe:
• 1. Peel and dice 1 chayote (remove the soft seed in the middle) and 1 large carrot.
• 2. Add them to a pot with 1 package of sweet corn (including the liquid for extra flavor) and 800ml water or light veg stock.
• 3. Simmer for 20 minutes until the chayote is tender (it will look slightly translucent).
• Flavor Boost: Season with a splash of light soy sauce and a drop of sesame oil before serving.

Top Student Soup Hacks:

• Batch Cook: Make a giant pot on a weekday and freeze individual portions in a food storage container for a 2-minute lunch during the week.
• The Veg Save: Got wilting carrots or celery in the fridge? Throw them in! Soup is the perfect way to reduce food waste.
• Bread Matters: Serve with a thick slice of toasted bread to make it a complete, satisfying meal.