“The warmth of a winter minestrone brings comfort as the seasons transition. Minestrone – vegetables, beans and pasta – shouldn’t be too strict, and this recipe can be used as a guide. Cabbages become plentiful in cold weather and are celebrated in this dish, used first to flavour the soup, then whizzed into a pesto to spoon on top. Spinach can be swapped for chard, pasta for rice, black beans for chickpeas or other beans; just take account of any necessary adjustments to their cook times. This version uses black beans (as opposed to more traditional cannellini or borlotti beans) for their small size and rich flavour. They nestle nicely among the other vegetables without dominating the soup, adding wonderful nuttiness and depth alongside the cabbage.” – Yotam Ottolenghi

The blue cheese toasts really take this soup to a whole new level.

Roasting the vegies brings out their natural sweetness. We used pumpkin, swede and carrot, but use what’s on offer at the market. Celeriac or parsnip would also work beautifully.

"There is no set recipe for this thick Italian soup – it’s usually made out of whatever vegetables are in season. I use a mix of greens, but you could just use savoy cabbage. I love borlotti beans in this recipe, as they add a slightly sweet taste and creamy texture to this easy minestrone recipe." – Jamie Oliver

This divine winter soup packs a real flavour punch courtesy of the Thai pesto. This is one soup you'll definitely be adding to your repertoire.

Perfect for easy entertaining or a cosy night in, this one-pot wonder is lighter than the classic paella, but just as satisfying. You’ll need a large, deep, heavy-based frypan.

Keep warm during the colder months with this phenomenal pea soup.

I've made versions of this soup using different beans or peas and it is always delicious, either chilled or warm. Here, I've included crab, but you could use salmon roe, sea urchin or smoked trout too, says chef Matt Wilkinson.

Creamy and comforting, nothing beats this chicken soup.

This hearty, comforting soup is also packed full of vegetables. Feel good food that's also good for you.

Fall-apart chicken that's been simmered for two hours elevates this chicken soup to the very heights of comfort food.

Fried chickpeas bring a wonderful texture and crunch to this creamy soup.

A Japanese inspired chicken noodle soup that's ready in no time at all.

Matt Preston proves that frugal food can be fantastic with this cheap but fulfilling soup.

There's nothing like a spicy soup to keep the comfort levels high during winter.