The Weekly 5: Wise words from Ottolenghi + my go-to soups

Creamy tomato soup, tofu kimchi stew, Moroccan lentil soup + more

Fall arrived hard in New York this week - temps even briefly dropped into the 40’s. I’m savoring every moment because this is my absolute favorite season. Wearing layers again, seeing the leaves change, and getting used to earlier sunsets, I’m loving it all. I even baked muffins this week (these), and I don’t often bake muffins, guys!

Now that it’s officially soup season, I’ve rounded up five TNB classics from the archives for you.

A word on soup: several years ago, I went to a talk Yotam Ottolenghi was giving in Brooklyn to promote his then-new book, Simple. During the conversation with

Tamar Adler

, the topic turned to soup, and he said something I never forgot. I’m paraphrasing to avoid misquoting the great Ottolenghi, but it was something to the effect of: Soup is not a solution. It should never be an afterthought - it deserves just as much consideration as anything else.

His sentiment really changed my perspective because up until then, I was of the common misbelief that you can just toss any odds and ends into the pot when making soup. I mean sure, it’s a good way to clean out your fridge, but the results most likely won’t be spectacular.

If you’re ready to up your soup game, these are the ones I personally turn to again and again…

1. Coconut Milk Tomato Soup

A hybrid of American and Polish traditions, this soup relies on coconut milk for creaminess and brown rice to turn it into a complete meal.

2. Moroccan Lentil Soup

Inspired by my go-to lunch item at Pret à Manger, this green lentil soup is packed with hearty veg and warming spices.

3. Tofu Kimchi Soup

The best way to enjoy the unique, nasal passage-clearing funk of kimchi as an entire meal.

4. Classic Pea Soup

Based on my mom’s classic Ukrainian pea soup. The garlicky homemade croutons are not optional!

5. Chickpea Tomato Soup

Loosely inspired by Mexican tortilla soup, this spicy number is flavored with cumin, lime, and cilantro.

BONUS: 5-Ingredient White Bean Spinach Soup

I recently developed this soup for Simply Recipes and it just went live this week. It shockingly contains just 5 ingredients (not counting oil, salt, and pepper), is super garlicky, and has already entered my regular rotation.

Planning to make one of these? Tell me how it goes in the comments section or tag me with your creation on Instagram.