19 Rustic European Peasant Soups & Stews For The Coming Cold Weather
As the cold weather sets in, there’s something deeply comforting about a simmering pot of soup or stew on the stove. These rustic European recipes come from generations of hearty, no-frills cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into rich, flavorful meals that warm you from the inside out.
Whether it’s the smoky depth of a bean and pork stew or the earthiness of a mushroom soup, these dishes remind me of gathering around the table with family, sharing food that feels like home. They’re not just meals—they’re a way to embrace the season and slow down with something nourishing and satisfying.
Hearty Lentil Soup
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This classic lentil soup is hearty and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for cold weather. The earthy lentils simmer with carrots, celery, and onions, creating a rich, filling and comforting broth. A bit of garlic and bay leaf adds a depth of flavor, while a splash of vinegar or lemon at the end brightens up the dish. It’s a simple, satisfying soup you can enjoy with a crusty loaf of bread or on its own as a wholesome meal.
Get The Recipe: Hearty Lentil Soup
Garlic Soup
Garlic soup is a true example of how basic ingredients can come together to create something special. Garlic infuses the broth with a deep, savory flavor that’s enhanced by the addition of olive oil and simple seasonings. This rustic soup, popular in parts of Spain and Central & Eastern Europe, is warming and comforting, with the garlic’s sweetness coming through beautifully after being cooked down. Serve it in a bread bowl!
Get The Recipe: Garlic Soup
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Hungarian goulash is a slow-simmered stew that brings together tender chunks of beef, paprika, onions, and root vegetables in a rich broth. The key to this dish lies in the use of authentic sweet Hungarian paprika, which gives the goulash its distinct flavor and color. Traditionally, this is a one-pot meal served with crusty bread or over noodles, making it ideal for colder weather when you want something robust and warming. Each spoonful is rich and hearty, with just the right balance of spices and tender beef.
Get The Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Pork, Bean & Sauerkraut Soup (Istrian Jota)
Istrian Jota is a traditional dish from the Istrian Peninsula that’s loaded with bold flavors. The combination of pork, beans, and sauerkraut creates a rich and hearty soup with a perfect balance of tanginess and depth. The pork adds richness, while the beans provide body, and the sauerkraut gives it a punch of acidity that cuts through the fat. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and keeps you coming back for more.
Get The Recipe: Pork, Bean & Sauerkraut Soup (Istrian Jota)
German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
German potato soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness. The soup typically includes potatoes, leeks, onions, and celery, all cooked down to a velvety consistency. A touch of bacon or sausage adds a smoky depth to the broth, while fresh herbs like parsley bring a bright finish. This is a simple yet satisfying soup that sticks to your ribs and is perfect for serving on cold nights with a slice of rye bread on the side.
Get The Recipe: German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
Segedínský Guláš (Pork & Sauerkraut Stew)
This Czech and Slovak stew has origins in Hungary. This hearty stew combines pork and sauerkraut in a savory dish that’s rich, filling, and full of flavor. The pork is slowly cooked until tender, while the sauerkraut adds a slight tang that balances out the richness of the meat. Caraway seeds, paprika, and a bit of sour cream give the stew a complex and robust flavor profile. Traditionally served with dumplings or hearty bread, this is the perfect dish to warm up with on a cold day.
Get The Recipe: Segedínský Guláš (Pork & Sauerkraut Stew)
German Sauerkraut Soup (Sauerkrautsuppe)
German Sauerkraut Soup is a tangy, hearty dish. The sauerkraut gives the soup its signature sourness, balanced by the savory flavors of smoked meats like bacon and meatballs. Potatoes and vegetables round out the meal, making it filling and nutritious. It’s a wonderful soup that blends the tartness of sauerkraut with the warmth of a traditional German kitchen, perfect for keeping the chill at bay.
Get The Recipe: German Sauerkraut Soup (Sauerkrautsuppe)
Red Cabbage Soup With Bacon
This soup brings together the sweetness of red cabbage and the smokiness of bacon in a rich, colorful dish. The red cabbage turns the broth a deep, vibrant purple, while the bacon adds a salty, savory kick. It’s a comforting and surprisingly light soup, with a touch of vinegar to balance the flavors. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Get The Recipe: Red Cabbage Soup With Bacon
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Hungarian mushroom soup is a creamy, earthy dish that showcases the deep flavors of mushrooms. Paprika and sour cream are key ingredients, giving the soup its rich flavor and smooth texture. The mushrooms add a hearty, meaty quality, making it a perfect vegetarian option that feels substantial and warming. This soup is a great way to bring the flavors of Central Europe to your table on a cold evening.
Get The Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Ukha (Russian Fish Soup)
Ukha is a traditional Russian fish soup that’s light yet flavorful. Typically made with freshwater fish, the broth is seasoned with black pepper, bay leaves, and fresh herbs like dill. The fish remains tender and flaky, while the broth is clear and delicate, with just enough seasoning to bring out the fish’s natural flavors. Potatoes and carrots are common additions, making it a simple yet satisfying meal.
Get The Recipe: Ukha (Russian Fish Soup)
German Split Pea Soup (Erbsensuppe)
German split pea soup is a hearty, thick dish made with dried peas, smoked meats, and vegetables. It’s perfect way to use up leftover ham! The peas break down into a smooth, creamy base, while the ham adds a smoky, rich flavor. It’s a traditional soup that’s both filling and full of protein, making it a great choice for cold weather. Serve it with a slice of dark bread to round out the meal.
Get The Recipe: German Split Pea Soup (Erbsensuppe)
Old-Fashioned Leftover Ham Bone Soup With Beans
This old-fashioned soup is a great way to use up leftover ham bones, simmering them with beans to create a flavorful broth. The beans become creamy as they cook, while the ham bone adds richness and depth. It’s a simple, frugal dish that’s both filling and delicious, perfect for using up pantry staples and leftover ham from holiday meals.
Get The Recipe: Old-Fashioned Leftover Ham Bone Soup With Beans
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This classic chicken noodle soup is all about comfort and simplicity. Tender chicken, homemade noodles, and a flavorful broth come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a little bit of comfort food, this soup hits the spot every time.
Get The Recipe: Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
European Oxtail & Barley Soup
Oxtail and barley come together in this rich, slow-cooked soup that’s full of depth and flavor. The oxtail is simmered until tender, creating a gelatinous, flavorful broth, while the barley adds a hearty texture. This is a warming, stick-to-your-ribs kind of soup that’s perfect for cold weather and long, leisurely meals.
Get The Recipe: European Oxtail & Barley Soup
Authentic Coq Au Vin With a Rooster
This French classic is made with rooster or chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. The result is a deeply flavorful stew with tender meat that falls off the bone. The wine reduction creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the mushrooms and the smoky bacon.
Get The Recipe: Authentic Coq Au Vin With A Rooster
Traditional Liver Dumpling Soup
A hidden liver recipe that kids love! Liver dumpling soup is a traditional dish with deep, rich flavors. The dumplings, made from ground liver, breadcrumbs, and spices, are tender and flavorful, floating in a clear, seasoned broth. It’s a dish with strong ties to German and Central European cuisine.
Get The Recipe: Traditional Liver Dumpling Soup
White Bean & Smoked Pork Stew: Croatian Grah i Varivah
This hearty Croatian stew combines tender white beans and smoky pork for a filling and flavorful meal. The beans simmer slowly in a rich broth, absorbing the flavors of the smoked meat. It’s a rustic, simple dish that’s both nourishing and comforting, perfect for cold winter nights.
Get The Recipe: White Bean & Smoked Pork Stew {Croatian Grah i Varivah}
Rustic Green Bean Soup (Mahuna)
This rustic green bean soup is a light yet flavorful option that uses fresh green beans as the main ingredient along with ripe tomatoes and potatoes. In Croatia, we call this “mahuna” but similar preparations exist across the Balkans.
Get The Recipe: Rustic Green Bean Soup {Mahuna}
Authentic Bosnian Grah Recipe (Bean Soup)
This traditional Bosnian bean soup is a robust and hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. The beans are slow-cooked with smoked meats like sausages or ribs, creating a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a perfect soup for cold weather, with its smoky, savory profile and satisfying texture.
Get The Recipe: Authentic Bosnian Grah Recipe {Bean Soup}
