Rustic, comforting and simple; lentils of any colour form a hearty, nourishing base for cold-weather soups. The red lentil soup with yoghurt and coriander takes its cues from the Middle Eastern dish shorbat adas, and does wonders to revive the soul, as does the red lentil and beetroot number (don’t forget that final dollop of garlicky tahini). For more creature comforts, whip up the soup of chicken, kale and lentil; or for some spice in your life, make the green lentil and pumpkin soup with harissa.