Hi Reader,

The first truly cold day always catches me off guard. I’ll be typing away, pretending productivity, when I realize my shoulders have crept up around my ears like I’m auditioning for “The Hunchback of Roxbury.” That’s my cue - it’s soup o’clock.
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The One rolls his eyes when I declare it, but he knows the ritual: stock pot, wooden spoon, something starchy, something soulful. Within minutes, the kitchen fogs up like a Portuguese sauna, and the windows sweat in solidarity.
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I used to think soup was a side note - a warm-up act before the “real meal.” Now I know better. A good soup doesn’t just feed you; it steadies you. It’s the edible equivalent of being told, “You’re doing fine.” My mother had her version, my grandmother had hers, and now I’ve got mine - whatever happens to be bubbling on the back burner when the world feels a little too sharp.
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And yes, the laundry still isn’t folded. But the bowl in my hands? Perfect.

5 Ways to Soup Like You Mean It

1. Roast Before You Simmer. Roasting veggies or bones first deepens flavor tenfold—worth every extra minute.
2. Season in Layers. Salt early, taste often, finish bold. Soup isn’t shy, and neither should you be.
3. Texture Is King. Puree half, mash some beans, leave a few chunks—contrast keeps it interesting.
4. Herbs Last, Not First. Add fresh herbs just before serving so they whisper instead of gurgling after having drowned for hours.
5. Respect the Garnish. Croutons, olive oil, lemon zest—tiny crowns for your kitchen royalty.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

• ​Creamy French Chicken Stew​
• ​Authentic Vietnamese Pho​
• ​Beef Stew With Red Wine​
• ​Hot & Sour Soup​
• ​White Bean & Chicken Chili​
• ​British Beef Raj Curry​

​Creamy French Chicken Stew​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.76 from 33 votes

This version of blanquette is slightly simplified in that it doesn’t involve making a roux but it’s no less flavourful. Serve this with plain boiled rice and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and parsley for a simple, comforting meal that comes together quickly, even on a weeknight.

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​Authentic Vietnamese Pho​

Vietnamese pho is a soup made with a beef broth rich with ginger, onions, star anise, fish sauce, and onions. Into that go rice noodles, beef, scallions, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.

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​Beef Stew With Red Wine​

This beef stew with red wine, made with beef chuck roast and a rich red wine sauce, can be made in your Instant Pot or braised in the oven.

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​Hot & Sour Soup​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.88 from 16 votes

Hot and sour soup may be something you're used to ordering from your closest Chinese restaurant. But this easy and authentic version, filled with ground pork, tofu, and mushrooms, is done in less time than it takes to order takeout. And, quite honestly, it's the best we've ever had.

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​White Bean & Chicken Chili​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.91 from 10 votes

This white bean and chicken chili, a Mexican-inspired meal that's made with smoky bacon, onions, carrots, celery, peppers, and spices, is hearty, healthy, and completely doable on a weeknight.

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​British Beef Raj Curry​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 from 15 votes

This British beef raj curry is prepared like a stew, tastes like a curry, and best of all, is ready in just one hour. Made with chuck steak, onions, garlic, chiles, coconut, and raisins, it's comfort food with a kick.

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