Classics with a Twist: 8 New Slow-Cooker Soups

By: Foodlets

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Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

In our house fall means two things: crisp weather and busy schedules. That's what makes these hearty slow-cooker soups so perfect for this time of year, but that's not all. Each of these classic soups has a tasty new twist, adding more flavor and richness, which usually means empty bowls (and happy kids) around here.

With a hint of chocolate, this mole-inspired chili is a fresh take on a cold-weather classic.

8 New Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

Start with the humblest of ingredients — potatoes, onions and chicken stock — wait seven hours, then pile on all your favorite baked potato toppings, like bacon, cheddar cheese, chives and more.

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Turkey thighs become otherworldly when braised alongside dried apricots, raisins and butternut squash with a sweet dash of cinnamon to boot.

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks ,Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

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Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks ,Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

Photo by: Christopher Testani

Christopher Testani

Saving time and adding flavor, this beef stew starts with Mexican-style tomatoes and green chiles — but it's the fresh ginger that kicks it up many, many notches.

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop stylist: Marina Malchin,Food stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop stylist: Marina Malchin

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Food stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop stylist: Marina Malchin,Food stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Antonis Achilleos

Antonis Achilleos

This is not your mother's pea soup. With plenty of thyme and the addition of frozen peas, the flavor is richer, deeper and fresher than you remember.

Black Bean Soup in White Bowl

Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup in White Bowl

©Food: Jaime Kimm Prop: Marina Malchin

Food: Jaime Kimm Prop: Marina Malchin

Using a smoked turkey leg (or ham hock) as a perfect flavor base, this budget-friendly soup uses a bag of dried beans, a few chopped red onions and little else to produce major results.

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Looking for a chicken soup recipe with a little more oomph? Curry powder is the magical ingredient that transforms this one from ho-hum to "More, please!"

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Paprika, mushrooms and red wine instantly give this classic dish a new level of flavor, without an iota of extra work by you.

Charity Curley Mathews is a contributor to The Huffington Post and the founder of Foodlets.com: Mini Foodies in the Making...Maybe. She lives in North Carolina with her husband plus their four small kids, and dreams of someday getting the dishwasher unloaded before it’s time to start making dinner again.

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