ENDLESSLY VERSATILE, soup is perfect for any season and every occasion. What better way to capture the essence of spring than by simmering freshly shelled peas and fava beans in a fragrant broth accented by bracing mint and refreshing lemon zest? In summer, a cool gazpacho made by whirling perfectly ripe tomatoes, juicy cucumbers, and vibrant red peppers is fitting for a hot and humid day—no pot necessary! When the air turns brisk, soup nourishes and satisfies like no other dish. In autumn, white beans mingle with sturdy greens in satisfying, peasant-style pots, and starchy squashes and root vegetables blend into silky purées. Winter brings even more soul-warming fare, such as chilis and stews featuring sausages and other hearty meats and thick vegetable soups scented with woodsy herbs.

Williams-Sonoma Soup of the Day offers a tantalizing collection of 365 soup recipes: one for each day of the year. Colorful calendars at the beginning of each chapter offer an at-a-glance view of the dishes best suited for the ingredients, occasions, and typical weather of the month. From January to December, you’ll find a seasonal soup that will satisfy any craving, and match any meal ranging from a quick weeknight supper to an elegant dinner party. A handful of the recipes are even appropriate for the holiday table, while others are perfect for using up a leftover roast or chicken. Notes accompanying each recipe offer ideas for ingredient variations, garnishes, and other helpful tips. All of the soups can be dressed up or dressed down; served in rustic earthenware mugs or on heirloom china; garnished with a flourish of fried herbs or dollop of pesto, or stripped down to the bare, tasty essentials—the possibilities are endless, but always delicious.

Full-color photographs enhance many of the recipes inside to help guide your cooking. You can start your soup-making journey at any time—just open this book, check the calendar, and you’ll be inspired to create a new soup du jour every day of the year.

Sample recipes:

January

Chicken Chili with Piquillo Peppers

Tuscan Farro Soup

Barley and Leek Soup with Chicken Meatballs

February

Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Crispy Prosciutto

Black Bean Soup with Meyer Lemon Crème Fraîche

Winter Greens Soup with Shiitakes & Poached Eggs

March

White Bean Soup with Sage & Olive Oil

Broccoli-Leek Soup

Fava Bean & Farfalle Soup

April

Artichoke & Quinoa Soup with Green Garlic

Sorrel Soup with Torn Croutons

Carrot & Coconut Soup with Curried Almonds

May

Egg-Lemon Soup with Fava Beans

Leek & Asparagus Vichyssoise

Weeknight Ginger Chicken Soup

June

Cool Honeydew-Melon Soup

Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs in Broth

Golden Beet Soup with Dilled Goat Cheese

July

Chilled Cucumber-Yogurt Soup with Lemon & Mint

Spicy Corn Soup

Gazpacho

August

Watermelon Gazpacho

Charred Eggplant Soup with Cumin & Greek Yogurt

Smoky Red Pepper Soup

September

Corn & Lobster Chowder

Fennel-Leek Soup with Zucchini Carpaccio

Turkey–White Bean Chili

October

Acorn Squash Soup with Toasted Walnut Butter

Celery Root Soup with Caramelized Apples

Cannelini Bean, Broccolini & Bratwurst Soup

November

Red Cabbage & Apple Soup

Chicken-Tomatillo Soup with Chipotle Chiles

Smoked Fish Chowder

December

Cream of Sundried Tomato Soup with Crab

Short Rib Chili with Smoked Paprika Crème Fraîche

Sweet Potato Soup with Cheddar Cheese