""Of soup and love, the first is best." As the winter chill approaches, this Spanish proverb plays over in my thoughts again and again—not because I enjoy soup more than love, but because I can think of no other food more loving. Exemplifying motherly comfort, soups are one of our favorite feel-good foods.

Being a whole-foods chef and a holistic nutritionist, I tend to favor the vegetarian side of things, and am often asked how to prepare meatless soups that still retain elements of comfort and familiarity. I believe that heartiness and warmth can easily be found in a steaming bowl of well-flavored broth and vegetables, a chunky potato-based chowder, or a hearty bean soup—and making these from scratch is much easier than most people think. All it takes are a few basic how-tos, a terrific batch of stock, and exquisitely fresh ingredients."