15 Cozy Soup Recipes from Top Chefs to Enjoy in Malta
This article highlights 15 warming soup recipes from renowned chefs like Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, perfect for Malta's cooler autumn and mild winter seasons. From frugal options like fridge-raid minestrone to indulgent choices like French onion soup, the recipes emphasize sustainability, local ingredients, and Mediterranean flavors. With dishes ranging from plant-based creamy cauliflower soup to seafood-rich traditional fish soup, the collection caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. These soups not only celebrate wholesome, seasonal cooking but also align with Malta’s culinary traditions and growing interest in health-conscious dining.
15 Warming Soup Recipes to Keep You Healthy and Happy This Season
As autumn settles over Malta, the cooler temperatures and shorter days beckon us indoors to enjoy the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup. Whether you're looking for something restorative after a busy week, a frugal dish to make the most of your leftovers, or a health-packed meal to boost your immunity, soup season is here—and it’s the ultimate way to eat well without compromising on flavor.
From the culinary expertise of renowned chefs like Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, to innovative twists from Melissa Hemsley and Nathan Outlaw, this collection of warming soup recipes brings together nutrition, indulgence, and simplicity. Perfect for Malta’s mild winters, these soups are a celebration of wholesome ingredients and sustainable cooking practices that align beautifully with a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.
Fridge-Raid Minestrone by Tom Kerridge
Tom Kerridge’s minestrone is the epitome of frugal cooking. Designed to help clear out your fridge before your next grocery run, this recipe is all about ratios, not rules—making it a forgiving and versatile option for any home cook in Malta looking to avoid food waste.
Ingredients:
- A mix of vegetables, chicken stock, and pasta
- Optional additions: lentils, bacon, or beans
Why It’s Great for Malta:
Minestrone is a dish that echoes the Mediterranean ethos of using fresh, seasonal produce. Malta’s local markets offer an abundance of kale, carrots, and celery, making this recipe ideal for supporting local farmers while reducing waste.
Rescue Noodle Soup by Melissa Hemsley
Melissa Hemsley’s “rescue” soup is the ultimate solution for leftover roast chicken or turkey. Packed with vibrant vegetables and herbs, this restorative dish is a nutrient-rich option to recharge after a busy weekend.
Ingredients:
- Root vegetables like sweet potatoes or pumpkin
- Any type of noodles
- Fresh herbs and shredded chicken
Why It’s Great for Malta:
With Malta’s love for Sunday roasts, this recipe is a clever way to transform leftovers into a wholesome Monday meal. Add a touch of local lemon or apple cider vinegar for a zingy boost.
Creamy Roast Cauliflower and Cashew Soup by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Hugh’s roasted cauliflower soup is a luxurious yet dairy-free option, blending the creamy richness of cashews with the earthy sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower, leeks, and onion
- Cashews soaked in vegetable stock
Why It’s Great for Malta:
Cauliflower is readily available across Maltese grocers, and this recipe aligns with the island’s growing interest in plant-based eating. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone seeking to enjoy a rich, guilt-free soup.
(Not Quite) Chao Xa Ga by Ella Risbridger
This aromatic chicken soup, inspired by Vietnamese flavors, combines coconut milk, lemongrass, and ginger for a bright, warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- Jasmine rice, chicken stock, and prawns
- Kale, coriander, and lime
Why It’s Great for Malta:
With its emphasis on clean, fresh flavors, this soup is perfect for Malta’s health-conscious diners. The ginger and lime offer a natural immune boost, especially during flu season.
French Onion Soup by Mimi Thorisson
Mimi Thorisson’s deeply traditional French onion soup gets an upgrade with the addition of duck fat and aged Gruyère cheese, making it rich, velvety, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Onions, chicken stock, and thyme
- Rustic bread and Gruyère
Why It’s Great for Malta:
This recipe captures the essence of indulgent European dining. Pair it with a glass of Maltese white wine for the perfect cozy meal.
Provençal Vegetable Soup by Rick Stein
Rick Stein’s take on a classic Provençal soup is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, thanks to basil, garlic, olive oil, and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Courgettes, tomatoes, and green beans
- Pistou (a basil and garlic sauce)
Why It’s Great for Malta:
This recipe celebrates the Mediterranean lifestyle, using flavors and ingredients that are staples in Maltese kitchens. Serve with crusty bread and olive oil for a simple yet elegant meal.
Vegan Laksa by Jeremy Pang
Jeremy Pang’s fiery coconut laksa is a quick and fragrant dish, perfect for weeknights when you want something healthy but satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk, lime leaves, and curry paste
- Rice vermicelli and tofu
Why It’s Great for Malta:
This Southeast Asian-inspired soup brings bold flavors to Malta’s growing interest in vegan dining options. It’s perfect for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine.
Green Gazpacho with Crab by Nathan Outlaw
Nathan Outlaw’s chilled green gazpacho is refreshing and indulgent, combining crab with walnuts for a unique twist on classic gazpacho.
Ingredients:
- Celery, cucumber, and spinach
- Picked crabmeat
Why It’s Great for Malta:
Ideal for Malta’s mild climate, this chilled soup is perfect for those autumn days when summer lingers. Pair with local seafood for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Sweet Potato Gochujang Soup by Gigi Grassia
This bold, protein-packed soup combines sweet potatoes with Korean gochujang paste for a sweet and spicy flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
- Silken tofu, chickpeas, and nutritional yeast
- Sweet potatoes and rice noodles
Why It’s Great for Malta:
With its vibrant colors and spicy kick, this soup is perfect for the adventurous eater. It’s also a great option for vegans looking to incorporate more protein into their diet.
Traditional Fish Soup by Matt Tebbutt
Matt Tebbutt’s saffron-infused fish soup is a luxurious take on seaside comfort food, featuring mussels, scallops, and cod.
Ingredients:
- Mixed seafood, white wine, and tomato purée
- Bay leaves and fresh tarragon
Why It’s Great for Malta:
Seafood is a staple of Maltese cuisine, and this recipe celebrates the island’s rich maritime heritage. Pair it with fresh crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Leftover Roast Dinner Soup by Rochelle Humes
Rochelle Humes turns Sunday roast leftovers into a soul-warming soup packed with vegetables and shredded chicken.
Ingredients:
- Carrots, peas, and leftover greens
- Chicken stock and thyme
Why It’s Great for Malta:
This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose Malta’s love for Sunday family meals into something equally comforting for Monday.
Miso Noodle Soup by Antoni Porowski
Antoni Porowski’s miso noodle soup is a quick, probiotic-rich dish that uses soba noodle water as its base for a nutrient-packed meal.
Ingredients:
- Wild mushrooms, spinach, and miso paste
- Soba noodles and sesame oil
Why It’s Great for Malta:
This light yet nourishing soup is perfect for Malta’s health-conscious diners. The miso’s probiotics make it ideal for supporting gut health.
Super Greens Soup by The Batch Lady
Packed with broccoli, peas, and spinach, this green blitz is as versatile as it is nutritious, doubling as a pasta sauce or soup.
Ingredients:
- Frozen peas, spinach, and broccoli
- Basil and vegetable stock
Why It’s Great for Malta:
With Malta’s focus on sustainability, this freezer-friendly recipe is a convenient way to increase your veggie intake while reducing food waste.
Indian Lentil Coconut Stew-Soup by Nagi Maehashi
This creamy, spiced hybrid dish combines chickpeas, lentils, and coconut milk for a hearty and adaptable meal.
Ingredients:
- Red lentils, chickpeas, and curry spices
- Coconut milk and tomatoes
Why It’s Great for Malta:
This warming stew-soup celebrates plant-based eating while offering a filling, flavorful option for colder evenings.
Beetroot Soup with Celery and Apple by Gill Meller
Gill Meller’s jewel-bright beetroot soup is earthy, sweet, and perfect for autumn in Malta.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot, celery, and apples
- Cloudy apple juice
Why It’s Great for Malta:
This recipe highlights locally-grown beetroot, a staple in Malta’s agricultural landscape, while delivering a dish that’s as beautiful as it is nutritious.
Grab your ladles, Malta! Soup season is officially here. Whether you’re batch cooking for the week or enjoying a bowl of something fresh and vibrant, these recipes offer a delicious way to stay warm, eat well, and embrace the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.