Winter Soups

On a bitter winter evening, nothing restores the spirits faster than a thick rib-sticker of a soup. Cabbage soup with dumplings, a purée of parsnips flavoured with curry, a hearty stew of black beans seasoned with cumin and coriander and beef soup with horseradish dumplings, are the sort of soups I’m talking about. Easy to prepare and cook, and simple to serve and eat, these soups have the double advantage of being easy on the budget too. Serve them with plenty of bread and follow with fruit and cheese or an old-fashioned pudding with custard, and they make the perfect winter supper.