Five Weeknight Dishes: Quick, cozy soups that taste like they simmered all day

By Krysten Chambrot, The New York Times

If we are what we eat, then I’m about 20% coffee and 80% — especially in winter. But the problem with soup is that you have to play the long game: It takes time to develop flavor, and broths require patience to become their best selves and for their ingredients to soften and break down.

So when you do find that rare bird — a quick soup with loads of flavor — you’ll keep it around forever. I’ve featured a couple of quick soups below, as well as some easy winter dinners that hit on those cozy spoon food notes. Because sometimes it’s good to leave your comfort zone.

1. Chicken and Rice Soup

This soup is simultaneously cozy and fresh. It’s just the kind of thing you want to eat when you’re sick and seeking something that’ll perk you up and get you through it. The soup simmers long enough for the rice to start to break down so it thickens the soup. If you prefer a brothier soup that’s predo...