Soup/Stew

At Aruns in Chicago, owner and chef Arun Sampanthavivat has come up with this fresh take on a traditional Thai recipe.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a different take on onion soup, a traditional beef-broth base is here spiked with beer and fortified with garlic. Rye-bread croutons top this simple soup, which, with the addition of a salad, makes a fine fall supper.

Here's a zesty, colorful-and lighter version of clam chowder that brings new life to an old favorite. Accompany the chowder with a salad of lettuce, carrots and pickled beets; the muffins; and beer or lemonade. Purchased apple pie with cheddar cheese makes a terrific finale.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The secret to this dish is to trim the okra very carefully at the top, cutting the stem without cutting open the okra at all.

An elegant but no-fuss soup.

Here is our adaptation of aigo bouido, the restorative Provençal garlic soup. Simmering the garlic tames its bite. A green salad and crusty bread round out the meal.

This easy—to—make soup is a terrific Saturday lunch, especially when accompanied by crusty bread, a salad and beer or apple cider. If you're serving people who don't like spicy foods, eliminate the cayenne pepper.

This main-course soup is ideal for winter evenings. It originated in Portugal's Ribatejo province, famed for its horses, bulls and bullfighters. The soup gets its name from the kidney beans, which are referred to as "stones" by the Portuguese.

Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro.