Recipes

 Half of this rich and creamy soup is pureed, leaving some delicious chunks of tomato.

Ingredients

Serves 6.

* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 tablespoons tomato paste
* 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
* 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes in juice (with basil if available)

Directions

Cooking the onions for a very long time over low heat mellows their flavor. Don't stir them too often or they won't caramelize. This soup tastes best when made with homemade beef stock.

Ingredients

Serves 6.

In Vietnam, pho, as this rice-noodle soup is known, is often enjoyed for breakfast. Nutritionists recommend incorporating red meat into one's diet just as it's used here -- in small portions and as a complement to other foods. The soup also includes bean sprouts and a handful of fresh herbs. The stock needs to be refrigerated for at least six hours; make it a day ahead.

Ingredients

Serves 4.

* 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds), skin removed
* 1 1/2 pounds (9 to 10 medium) carrots, peeled and halved crosswise
* 1 pound (5 to 6 medium) parsnips, peeled and halved crosswise
* 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced crosswise
* 2 large onions (about 1 pound), , halved and sliced
* 2 bay leaves
* 2 garlic cloves, smashed
* 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
* Coarse salt
* 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
* 6 scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
Directions

Ingredients

* 2 large onions, sliced
* 2 pounds round steak, sliced for stir-fry
* 2 ribs celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick
* 1 cup peeled baby carrots
* 1 cup orange juice
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
* 1-1/2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder
* 1 teaspoon Asian chili paste
* 3 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
* 6 cups cooked white rice

Directions

1. In 5- to 5 1/2-quart slow cooker, layer onion, beef, celery and carrots.