1. Greens: A handful of leafy greens like frozen spinach, thinly sliced chopped kale or bagged arugula add color, nutrition and a fresh flavor.
2. Acid: A little acid from lemon juice, vinegar, crème fraîche or pickles brighten up even the dullest soup.
3. herbs or spices: Leafy herbs like parsley or cilantro, or spices like toasted cumin or smoked paprika add a ton of flavor with very little work.
4. Meat: Anything from leftover grilled chicken breast to crumbled bacon or sausage can bulk up soups.
5. : Add a sliced hardboiled egg, a soft poached egg, or drizzle a scrambled egg into simmering broth for an egg-drop-style soup.
6. Grains: Leftover cooked grains make for a nice textural contrast.
7. Cooked potato: Ladling hot soup over a baked potato, a roasted sweet potato or leftover mashed potatoes makes for a filling meal.
8. Caramelized onion or shallot: Stirred in or added as a garnish, crispy caramelized onions add a blast of flavor.
9. Grated cheese: Try adding a handful of finely grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar.
10. Bread: Go simple with a few crunchy croutons or all the way with a cheesy, toasted-bread top.