Comfort Food

A warm bowl of soup and everything that goes with it.

Nothing is more satisfying to me than a deliciously warm bowl of soup on a crisp fall day. I can’t say it’s been that crisp here in LA, but I’ve definitely been on a delicious warm bowl of soup kick. You know this, of course, if you’ve been following along on meal prep. There has been a lot of new soup recipes, and we’re just getting started.

Last Friday I shared some thoughts on mood boosters and resisting to urge to placate your feelings with foods and activities that can harm your health or create dependencies (hello sugar, wine, and Instagram scrolling). Instead, look for comfort in things that have real benefits: a walk outside, a hot bath, a warm bowl of soup. You get it. So, here’s my comfort bowl of soup, everything you need to create and romanticize the moment, along with my favorite recipes.

SOUPER ACCESSORIES
Tools and products for the perfect bowl of soup—from the pot to the spoon.

• Dutch oven: You need a good Dutch oven to make soup. This is my favorite. I have two sizes, but I find the bigger one to be too big. I like the black too, chic (and on clearance — you’ll have it forever). For an alternative, try this one from OurPlace. I don’t have it, but it’s on my wish list and you cannot beat this price (already on Black Friday sale, too).

• Hand blender: I know we’ve been talking about this a lot, but some soups require a little puree action and a hand blender makes this immeasurably easier.

• Wooden spoon: I had so many burnt and janky wooden spoons, but recently got new ones for sautéing vegetables and I’m not going to lie, it feels good.

• Ladle: If you have one of those black plastic ladles (or any black plastic kitchen tools), please get rid of it — a recently report showed that they have alarming levels of toxic flame retardants. Plus, a delicious soup deserves a beautiful ladle, like this one or this one.

• Soup bowls: I’ve been in the market for a new set of dishes and I’m loving the soup bowls from this collection (and this one, too).

• Soup spoons: Wow check these out or these white ones (for half the price). Really something special. I also love these vintage ones.

• Cloth napkins: Not eating with a paper towel makes everything taste bed. I firmly stand by this. I love these, and these for everyday meals.

• Tea towels: Everyone needs a good collection of tea towels for picking up hot pots and whipping their hands.

• Set the vibe: The perfect sweater (or maybe this one) for soup season and this onyx candle stand(!!!) for the table.

MY TOP 10 SOUPS
One pot meals with plenty of protein and nourishing micronutrients. Recipe book below for paid subscribers.

1. Chicken & Wild Rice

2. Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs

3. Chicken Tortilla Soup

4. Kale, White Bean & Italian Sausage Soup

5. West African Peanut Soup

6. Lentil Chicken Soup

7. Beef & Mushroom Chili

8. Spiced Tomato & Coconut Bisque (I like to serve this with chicken or cracked crab and a Caesar salad)

9. Chicken Pho

10. White Bean & Leek Soup