Matthew Woolen is a master pastry chef and has worked in a variety of Seattle restaurants, including gastropub Old Sage, Zhu Dang, and a gluten-free restaurant called Capitol Cider.

Matthew Woolen

Ahhh, soup. Comforting and cozy, it’s good for the soul—and any time of year. From simple broths to complex bowls bolstered with vegetables, dumplings, meats, or noodles, there’s a seemingly infinite selection of souper ideas and combinations. Soups are a great way to use up any produce, and it’s easy to make a delicious soup with a few key, quality ingredients. So, whether you have an abundance of veg to harvest from the garden or some produce in your crisper drawer that’s begging to be cooked, the fresh and flavorful options below come together fast and let each superstar vegetable shine. These soups rely on a cooking technique called à la minute—preparing fresh foods quickly and then serving them immediately. In a restaurant, this method is a fast pickup where dishes (or components) are made to order. We’re bringing this approach to your home cooking by keeping ingredient lists and processes to a minimum. With just five fresh ingredients (not counting pantry staples like oil, salt, pepper, and acid) and three simple steps, you can enjoy refreshing and vibrant soups in 20 minutes—or less!

How to Go From Fresh Ingredients to Flavorful Soups—Fast