I used to throw away the woody stems of asparagus but recently learned that I could make asparagus soup. This soup is best with homemade chicken stock. If making it with canned or boxed chicken broth, throw in some chopped carrots, celery, and onions to add some extra flavor.

This is one of the first Turkish foods I learned how to make. One of the great things about this soup is that it can be easily modified. On occasion I add carrots. I’ve made it without potatoes. Remove the bulgur and this is gluten-free. The butter can be replaced with olive oil to make this a vegan dish. This soup is best when served with warm, fresh bread.

This is a Turkish creamy soup (Domatesli Yayla Çorbası) made with yogurt instead of heavy cream or milk. It is perfect for a cold winter day. It is best when served with fresh, warm bread.

Every time I tried butternut squash soup, it tasted like dessert. I looked for a recipe that was not so sweet but kept finding recipes with nutmeg and cream. Here is my recipe for a slightly less sweet, spicier soup that is dairy-free.