One of the most comforting and delicious meals, especially in winter, is a hot bowl of homemade soup. Making soup from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients is simple and rewarding. The key is building layers of flavor using aromatics like onions and garlic, herbs and spices, and broth.

To get started, gather ingredients for a simple base like chicken, beef or vegetable stock. Chop onions, carrots and celery to provide an aromatic foundation. Sauté the veggies in oil until tender. Add broth and any additional vegetables like potatoes, beans or tomatoes. For extra flavor, add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley or bay leaves.

As the soup simmers, taste and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. You can also add other spices depending on the type of soup. For a tomato-based soup, add basil, oregano and red pepper flakes. For an Asian-inspired soup, add fresh ginger, garlic and soy sauce or fish sauce.

Once the vegetables are tender, you can puree some of the solids to give the soup a thicker body. You can also add pasta, rice or barley to make the soup heartier. Additional garnishes like cheese, avocado, croutons or fresh herbs make the soup more satisfying.

For a cream-based soup, make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Cook the roux for a minute while stirring and then whisk in the broth. Simmer until thickened. Add dairy like heavy cream, milk, half and half or evaporated milk and simmer until heated through. Puree some of the soup for an even creamier consistency.

Finish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice or a splash of vinegar to provide brightness. Taste again and adjust seasonings as needed. Your homemade soup is ready to enjoy! With endless combinations of ingredients, aromatics and garnishes, you can create simple, nourishing soups from scratch for any occasion.