A popular vegetarian soup that is high in protein and iron and low in fat. Like many soups it improves with age, so try making it the day before you plan to serve it. SERVES 6 TO 8 AS A MAIN COURSE 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 large onions, finely diced 4 cloves garlic,...

This meatless version of the traditional Portuguese soup Caldo Verde is both distinctive and substantial. Kale gives the soup a wonderful flavor and texture, and along with the kidney beans provides a good source of iron. SERVES 6 AS A MAIN COURSE ВЅ cup olive oil 3...

Choose sweet, flavorful plums for this soup and allow them to get perfectly ripe. I often take this on a picnic, transporting it in a glass jar with a screw top and then serving it in cups. SERVES 4 AS A FIRST COURSE 9 to 10 ripe plums (about 2 pounds), washed ВЅ cup...

Nothing celebrates summer like a bowl of chilled gazpacho prepared when tomatoes are at their peak. Only the most flavorful garden specimens will do. SERVES 6 AS A FIRST COURSE 5 medium tomatoes, cored 2 medium cucumbers 1 small onion, diced 1 large green bell pepper,...

This is one of my most treasured recipes, and one that my stepdaughter asks me to make for her when she wants a special treat. Buttery corn dumplings top clove-scented vegetables to make this a wonderfully fragrant and colorful stew. The dumplings take only a few...

This soup is quick and easy to prepare and is one of my favorites. The red lentils (actually tiny orange lentils) turn a golden color when cooked and have a rich, buttery flavor. If you have the red lentils and spices on hand, this is a fine soup to prepare on a...

This is a smooth and creamy soup with a mild anise flavor. The fennel that is usually available in this country is the variety known as finocchio, or Florence fennel. It has a large bulbous root with long stalks and feathery leaves. It can be eaten raw (in salads, for...

This Turkish soup is ideal for a summer meal because no cooking is involved and it is so refreshing and satisfying. It is also wonderful served as a first course to a Middle Eastern meal. Do use fresh dill if you can get it; it really defines the dish. SERVES 4 AS A...