Tomato
Cool Ratatouille
This summery version of the classic stew makes use of summer’s lush tomatoes and fresh herbs. Serve with slices of fresh whole-grain baguette or olive bread.
Creole Lima Bean Stew
Just the thing to serve on a chilly early spring day. Green Chili Cornbread (page 145) or fresh store-bought cornbread would both team well with these flavors.
Tomato-Rice Soup
Crisp green snow peas lend this soup a pleasant visual and textural twist.
Okra-Rice Gumbo
This standard from the American South contains a varied blend of flavors and textures, all pulled together by the unique character of okra.
Masala Vegetable Stew
This hearty curry becomes the centerpiece of a satisfying meal served over hot cooked grains, and accompanied by Chapatis (page 158) and a simple, palate-cooling salad of cucumbers and tomatoes.
Country Captain Stew
Though undoubtedly Indian influenced (it bears a passing resemblance to the traditional East Indian mulligatawny soup), this is actually an adaptation of a classic curried chicken stew recipe from the American South.
Arborio Rice Soup with Spring Vegetables
Arborio rice, the same rice used in risotto, makes a comforting base for a spring soup, perfect for drizzly spring evenings.
Leek and Mushroom Bisque
Cream of Wheat, or farina, is the secret to the smooth, thick texture of this soup.
Puree of Broccoli Soup with Whole Wheat Pasta
If you like broccoli, you’ll love this nourishing bowl of comfort.
Greek-Flavored Spinach and Orzo Soup
Here’s a lively soup that comes together quickly. Serve with a big Greek-style salad and a fresh flatbread for a light yet satisfying meal.
Curried Lentil, Potato, and Cauliflower Soup
This soup features a slew of compatible ingredients made even more companionable in a mildly curried broth.
Vegetarian Goulash
A satisfying meatless take on the classic Hungarian goulash, this makes good use of seitan, a high-protein, low-fat meat substitute.
Four-Grain Tomato Soup
For a hearty combination, serve with Hearty Bean Bread (page 146), or for a lighter accompaniment, serve with Bruschetta (page 159).
Potage Polenta
Cooked cornmeal makes a delightfully dense soup base. Serve this meal-in-a-bowl with a bountiful salad and crusty bread.
Hearty Barley-Bean Soup
This is a good, basic, everyday sort of soup, suitable for cold weather. Try Cheese and Herb Corn Muffins (page 150) as an accompaniment.
Tomato, Lentil, and Barley Soup
Lentil soups are so satisfying in winter. Served with Quick Sunflower-Cheese Bread (page 144) or Focaccia Bread (page 148), this soup needs only a simple salad to make a very filling meal.
Spicy Chili Bean Stew
For those who like hot stuff, the hot chilies add a fiery kick to this soup. If you’d like a toned-down version, use mild chilies. This makes a big pot of soup, perfect for feeding a crowd. This is delicious served with a big salad and nachos or quesadillas made with Vegan Gourmet nacho-style nondairy cheese.
Curried Millet-Spinach Soup
Millet, an exceptionally nutritious if rather bland grain, is used to great advantage in this soup, where it has an opportunity to soak up all the spicy flavors.
Brazilian Black Bean Stew
A vegetarian version of Brazil’s famous national dish, feijoada, this stew is abundant with nourishing ingredients. Serve with steamed fresh greens (you can dress them with garlic sautéed in olive oil) and slices of mango and/or papaya.
Provençal Bean Pot
This meatless version of a rustic Provençal stew is sensual and satisfying. A fresh, crusty French baguette is perfect for soaking up its delicious broth. A bountiful tossed salad makes it a complete meal.