Sadly, summer is behind us. We can only spend the next few months dreaming of pavlova and mango trays instead of eating them. Winter food can be somewhat depressing - especially when compared to the fresh vibrancy that comes with a summer spread. But we promise, winter food can be interesting too! If you can find something that balances heartiness and flavour, a cold-weather meal can easily rival a summer delight.

For us, there is no better dish than soup in these circumstances. Warm, easy and usually cheap to make, soups are suitable to eat for days on end. When you make one, you should always plan for leftovers. Below, we're rounding up our favourite soup recipes this season.

 

Tofu and Kimchi Stew

A comforting favourite. This stew/soup hybrid comes together very quickly and is comprised of little technique, and even fewer ingredients. For a brothy, spicy, funky time, you'll want to have this one memorised for those late nights when cooking is not a desirable option.

 

Tomato Parmesan Soup

For the nights when nothing else will do, enter tomato soup. This version is luxurious without all of the weird cream additions. Dairy in soup is a no go for us, don't @ me. This recipe gets body from simmering with parmesan rind. Pair with a mandatory grilled cheese or parmesan toast if you want to stay on-theme and feel the wholesomeness wash over you.

 

French Onion Soup

We may be a long way from Balthazaar, but don't doubt your ability to indulge in rich French onion soup from home. In this Bon Appetit vegan version, few ingredients but a bit of patience is required to make this deeply savoury situation come to life. If you aren't bothered by the vegan bit, don't deny yourself the cheese toast.

 

Chicken Broth and Polenta Dumplings

When in an especially wholesome mood, turn your attention towards Laila Gohar's chicken broth and polenta dumpling recipe, where a whole chicken is simmered with scraps from the fridge and emerges as a soothing bowl of everything you want from soup.