Quick and Easy Hearty Soups For Busy Fall Nights

I don't what it's like where you live, but here in Big Bear, located in Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains, it's starting to turn cold. We've had a fire going in the fireplace for the last few nights.

It's always at this time of year that my thoughts turn to soup. But I've been so busy lately, I usually don't start thinking about dinner until it's almost time to eat. That's where a quick and easy soup recipe can help. I admit, I usually make long, slow cooked soups (often in the slow cooker), but for spontaneous soup making you can't beat recipes like the ones at the links below. Add a salad and a baguette or your perfect bread of choice, and you have a quick, healthy meal.

• Holly Clegg's Trim and Terrific Wild Rice Soup -- This hearty and great tasting soup can be the answer to leftover chicken or holiday turkey.
• Rachael Ray's North Country Corn Chowder -- One of Rachael's fabulous 30 minute meals.
  
• Williams-Sonoma's Curried Chickpea and Potato Stew -- Exotic flavors enhance this hearty vegetarian stew that takes just 15 minutes hands on time to make.
• Meatball Minestrone (pictured above)-- From the "One-Armed Cook" cookbook for busy moms comes a recipe for a meal in one pot - how easy can it get.
• Tom Lacalamita's Pressure Cooker French Onion Soup -- This is one of the best onion soup recipes especially when topped with crisp bread croutons and melted cheese.
• Heart Healthy Turkey and Potato Stew -- This delicious recipe goes together very quickly as long as you have chicken stock on hand.
• Bev Bennett's Sweet Potato and Bean Soup -- This hearty soup is flavored with the sweet, nutty taste of roasted garlic.
• Nava Atlas's Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili -- This easy chili is invigorating yet comforting and is festive enough for a last-minute company meal.
• Amanda's All Vegetable Soup -- A soup chock full of vegetables and beans is a wonderful treat for everyone! Try this very easy recipe and you'll be hooked too.
• Italian Cupboard Soup -- Spinach, beans and pork highlight this delicious healthy soup.