Soup, beautiful soup

I like soup any time of year—but in fall and winter, I practically crave it. It can be economical or extravagant, but it’s always satisfying to the soul. When you’re sick, spicy tom kha gai from your favorite Thai restaurant zaps those bugs and clears the sinuses.

Muntean’s Soups, Salad & Sandwiches (1225 J Street) has a decidedly Romanian bent to its offerings, most notably mulligatoni. Very different from the Indian-influenced mulligatawny I’ve had before, this soup was packed with chicken, beef and pork, plus corn and plenty of spice. It warmed me to the core. It also has a fiery tomato soup, Hungarian goulash, broccoli and corn soup, and vegetarian chili—all generously flavored.

At Selland’s Market (5340 H Street), there are always three or four fresh soups and a chili on the menu. A recent offering was made with silky butternut squash.

The new chef at Grange Restaurant (926 J Street), Oliver Ridgeway, recently solicited soup recipes from local food bloggers, with the winner to be featured on the menu in December. Visit Grange soon and see who won the soup-off!