Mock Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Mock Chicken Noodle Soup
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large celery stalks, finely diced; 3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, minced; 6 cups water with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes, or other stock option (page 9); 1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning (see page 4 for brands); 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; 4 to 6 ounces short, fine noodles (see Note); 4 to 6 ounces baked tofu, finely diced; Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

December 9, 2011

This simple, soothing soup recalls a comfort soup from my childhood. It proves that winter soups need not always be thick to provide a sense of warmth. I like to use a mild-flavored variety of baked tofu in this, such as Soy Boy Tofu Lin.

Cooks' Note

You can use vermicelli or angel hair, broken into 1½-inch pieces; soba noodles are good too, if you want something a bit more nourishing or assertive. Fine, round noodles such as anellini are also good.

Recipe notes

Chewy Glazed Lemon Cookies

The zest of three whole lemons gives these cookies a no-holds-barred citrus flavor.

Vermicelli Chicken and Rice With Cardamom and Cinnamon

This one-pot chicken and rice is a dinner-time winner. It gives you everything you need really: protein power, carb comfort, and joy in the form of crispy edges.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Cardamom Pancakes With Honey Lime Syrup

Yeasted pancakes mixed with saffron and cardamom (called chebab) are typical of Gulf countries, but I must confess I much prefer these lacy thin crepes.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.