15 Spicy Soups and Stews to Keep You Warm

Written by
Nancy Lopez-McHugh
Author of two books, freelance writer, and photographer. She runs the popular blogs Spicie Foodie and Mexican Made Meatless.
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Nancy Lopez-McHugh
Updated 09/17/20

Did you know that including spicy ingredients in our food helps to raise our body temperature? The higher body temperature, of course, helps us keep warm, and it also helps to burn up calories—which is a great thing this time of the year. 

The temperatures are dropping and cooler days are here to stay. During these cold weather months, our bodies crave comforting foods that are both warming and filling. These soup and stew recipes are all healthy, comforting, and quite delicious. The recipes range from classics to international ​flavors, as well as meaty and vegetable only recipes; so there is something for everyone. ​​​

  • 01 of 15

    Baharat Spiced Beef Stew

    Baharat-spiced beef stew

     

    Максим Крысанов / Getty Images 

    This is a heavily seasoned stew with Middle Eastern elements. The heat mild spicy heat and the aromatic baharat seasoning leaves a tingle on the tongue. It is difficult to explain the delicious and complex flavors—you'll love it. The addition of seasonal root vegetables makes it a great option for lunch or dinner. 

  • 02 of 15

    Chicken Stewed in Cayenne Pepper Sauce

    Chicken Stewed in Paprika and Cayenne Pepper Sauce

    Jon Whitaker | Getty Images

    A medium spicy chicken stew that is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and has minimal cleanup. The combination of sweet, tart, and spicy is satisfying on a cold night. Serve with rice or egg noodles for a complete and warming winter meal. 

  • 03 of 15

    Korean Spicy Beef Soup (Yukaejang)

    Korean spicy beef soup (yukaejang)

    Whitewish / Getty Images

    Naomi Imatome-Yun, a Korean food expert, shares this authentic recipe that "warms you from your lips to your toes." Sounds perfect on a chilly day. 

  • 04 of 15

    Spicy Mexican 'Charro' Beans With Longaniza Sausage

    Spicy Mexican cowboy beans with longaniza sausage

    The Spruce / Nancy Lopez-McHugh

    There is nothing quite like a bowl of beans to warm me right up. This is one of our favorite recipes that can easily be adjusted with whatever ingredients that you have in your refrigerator. The stew has a mild to medium spicy heat.

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.
  • 05 of 15

    Doro Wat (Ethiopian Chicken Stew)

    A plate doro wat (Ethiopian chicken stew)

     Dennis Ludlow / Getty Images

    The heat is medium spicy in this Ethiopian onion and chicken stew. It is very aromatic as it includes both berbere spice mix and garam masala, as well as ginger, garlic, and plenty of onions. Doro wat is typically served on top of an Ethiopian bread called injera.

  • 06 of 15

    Turkey Cajun Stew

    Turkey Cajun Stew

    The Spruce / Katarina Zunic

    Transform leftover turkey into this spicy Cajun stew. Shrimp, andouille sausage, okra, bacon, veggies, and Cajun seasoning give it a great gumbo-like flavor. It's all cooked in one pot, so clean up is easy, and it's fantastic when served with steamed rice.

  • 07 of 15

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga

    Huarache With Chicken Tinga and Avocado

    The Spruce / Pete Scherer

    Chipotle peppers, onion, tomato, and chicken thighs give chicken tinga its signature flavor. This recipe for the Mexican stew is cooked in the slow cooker, though you'll want to brown the chicken and char the tomatoes first. Those two steps add to the smokiness of the peppers and ensure an authentic flavor.

  • 08 of 15

    Instant Pot Thai Chicken Curry

    Instant Pot thai chicken curry (red curry) with rice

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Red curry paste is the spiciest of the Thai curries due to the red chiles peppers. This Thai chicken curry comes together easily in the Instant Pot and makes for a warm and comforting dish.

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.
  • 09 of 15

    Easy Miso Udon Soup With Chile Flakes

    Spicy udon soup

     

    ADX Collections / Getty Images 

    A Japanese classic made in about 15 minutes. The miso udon soup is made spicy by adding as much or little chile flakes as desired.

  • 10 of 15

    Thai Seafood Soup (Tom Yum Talay)

    Thai seafood soup (tom yum talay)

    ADX Collections / Getty Images

    Thai cuisine is among the reigning spicy foods of the world. This delectable seafood soup by Darlene Schmidt, Thai food expert, is a must-try. The heat is medium spicy.

  • 11 of 15

    Cayenne Spiced Chili Con Carne

    Chile con carne

     

    Martinrlee / Getty Images 

    Often thought of as a Mexican recipe, this dish of cayenne spiced chili con carne is in fact from Tex-Mex cuisine. Regardless, it tastes great with tortillas or warm cornbread. One fantastic thing about this dish is that the spiciness may be adjusted to your personal taste.

  • 12 of 15

    Spicy Chicken Soup With Vegetables

    Spicy chicken soup

     

    8378522 / Getty Images 

    Don't have time to cook soup? Throw the ingredients in a crock pot to create this healthy chicken and vegetable soup by Diana Rattray, Southern food expert.

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.
  • 13 of 15

    Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup: Pho Ga

    Chicken pho

     

    Stephen Barnes / Getty Images 

    If you've never eaten Vietnamese cuisine you are seriously missing out. Pho ga or chicken soup is a great introductory dish into the amazing flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. The soup is mildly spicy but can be made as hot as you like.

  • 14 of 15

    Spicy Carrot Soup

    Spicy carrot soup

    Gordana Jovanovic / Getty Images

    Gingery and fiery this vegan soup is perfect any time of the year and for lunch or dinner. The zesty heat is mild to medium spicy.

  • 15 of 15

    Czech Beef Goulash With Vegetables and Cayenne Pepper

    Czech beef goulash

    The Spruce / Nancy Lopez-McHugh

    A spicy spin on the traditional Czech beef goulash, this hearty stew will get you through the harsh cold days of winter.