Winter can start to seem cold and dark before too long, so much so that you might feel chilled, bored and trapped in your house before December even takes hold. Believe it or not, there is a simple solution that addresses all of these problems: soup. With its delicious aromas, hardy goodness and heat that warms you from the inside out, it really can be the answer to much of what ails you during these months of hibernation. The best news of all is that soups are versatile, delicious ways to use the ingredients you already have on hand, so there’s no need for an icy trek to the supermarket.

DETOX CARROT GINGER

If you’re feeling the sniffles coming on or just need a departure from the norm, boil some carrots, get out your blender, add some ginger, onions and garlic, and whip up this nourishing and delicious concoction. It doesn’t just taste great; the ginger can soothe your sore throat, and the carrots will give you just the energy boost you need.

CAULIFLOWER RICE SOUP

Although it’s another member of the cabbage family, cauliflower is often overlooked. That’s regrettable since its delicate flavor can add a subtle goodness to virtually anything. Take this soup, for example. It starts as a standard chicken soup; however, the addition of rice, cauliflower and curry powder gives it an irresistibly unique and exotic touch. Just be sure to make enough to have left-overs; you’re definitely going to want to enjoy this nourishing main or side dish all week.

STEPPED-UP CHICKEN SOUP

There is a lot to be said for the traditional chicken and vegetable soup recipe. It never fails to taste great; it’s warm and relaxing, and it can even help to minimize symptoms of the common cold such as aches and pains and nasal congestion. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with kicking your mom’s old stand-by up a few notches. Use her recipe, but try combining those ingredients with additional ones such as infection-fighting ginger, anti-bacterial and anti-viral garlic and leeks, carrots for vitamin A, turmeric and cayenne for their anti-inflammatory properties and baby spinach because it’s not only anti-viral and anti-microbial but also an expectorant and an astringent to boot.

If you’re bored, cold, feeling under the weather or want to entertain friends or family, soup is uniquely suited for every occasion. Delicious and nutritious, it also gives you a lovely opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Serve it on its own, as an appetizer or alongside a fresh loaf of crusty bread; your options are infinite. No matter what you put in it, soup is one of the best antidotes to winter.