You can't go wrong with soup. Simple to make, packed full of flavour, and not to mention a great way to use up leftovers, it's the perfect post-ride lunch or dinner for the time-pressed cyclist. These 10 soups are all vegetarian and many can be adapted for vegans too. We'd happily chow down on each and every one... and in fact plan to over the coming weeks.
We've partnered with Olive magazine (also published by Immediate Media) to bring you the very best recipes for cyclists. All the recipes are easy to follow and take you through step-by-step how to create everything from homemade nutrition products to tasty, hearty post-ride meals.
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1. Cauli cheese soup with golden herb croutons
Cheese fans, this one is for you! Combining creamy cheddar with the richness of Grana Padano cheese, it's just right for a comforting meal on a cold, wet evening. While the recipe suggests small golden croutons, we also like to make larger slices for dipping and munching on. Cauli cheese soup with golden herb croutons recipe at Olive Magazine
2. Broccoli soup with blue cheese croutons
More options for crouton fans! The creamy and rich blue cheese croutons complement this nutritious broccoli soup perfectly, adding a crunch to the smoothness of the soup itself. Broccoli soup with blue cheese croutons recipe at Olive Magazine
3. Spiced parsnip soup
Might we suggest this soup as a great way to use up leftovers from a Sunday lunch, Thanksgiving meal or even Christmas dinner? Sweet parsnips are full of essential vitamins and minerals, and it's a shame to let them go to waste, so transform them into a simple soup that's spiced with paprika and garam masala. Spiced parsnip soup recipe at Olive Magazine
4. Thai carrot and lemongrass soup
Warming ginger and fragrant lemongrass elevate this carrot soup out of the realms of the regular and into the world of extraordinary. Warm, spicy, packed full of flavour and full of vitamins, it tastes divine yet only takes 30 minutes to make. That's a winner, in our opinion. Thai carrot and lemongrass soup recipe at Olive Magazine
5. Leek and potato soup with frizzled leeks
It's hard to beat a classic, and leek and potato soup is just such an example. With only six ingredients, and coming in at only 167 calories per person, it's cheap, easy to make and tasty indeed. Leek and potato soup with frizzled leeks recipe at Olive Magazine
6. Broccoli and coconut soup with fried chickpeas
Why just blue cheese with broccoli? We love this spicy take on a vegetable that doesn't feature in soup enough for our liking. Broccoli is packed full of iron, and the creaminess of coconut and broccoli goes perfectly with the crunch of the chickpeas flavoured with a dash of garam masala. Broccoli and coconut soup with fried chickpeas recipe at Olive Magazine
7. Tomato and basil soup
Turn a budget store cupboard staple into a cheap, simple and nutritious dish. Tinned tomatoes are often overlooked and unloved, but the simple addition of onions, garlic, stock and fresh basil, plus a dash of cream, turns them into a Mediterranean delight. Tomato and basil soup recipe at Olive Magazine
8. Smoky sweet potato soup
When you've got training to do, finding time to make nutritious food to fuel it can be hard especially with work, family, and life in general making demands on your time. We suggest whipping up a big batch of this tasty soup at the weekend and freezing portions, then all you need to do is defrost and go. The smokiness comes courtesy of paprika and is delicious. Add a handful of cheese, or even a scoop of crème fraîche, for a little creaminess. Smoky sweet potato soup recipe at Olive Magazine
9. Asian onion soup with soy mushroom brioche
How's this for an impressive French/Asian fusion dish? A miso-based onion soup works perfectly with the earthiness of mushrooms that are cocooned in buttery sweet brioche. Flavoursome, light, tasty, and perfect for a quick post-ride starter if you've got people coming for dinner but you don't want to sacrifice your weekend ride. Make up the brioche mixture in advance then pop it in the oven while you prepare the soup; we guarantee the smell of baking will get your appetite going. Asian onion soup with soy mushroom brioche recipe at Olive Magazine
10. Sweet potato and chilli soup
Cold, wet and tired after your ride? This simple soup can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. The chilli gives a fiery kick that will warm you up quickly and the sweet potato will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
