I've been making soup the last few days. I always forget how easy it is to make. If you start with premade broth (either your own or store bought), it's a matter of minutes to chop veggies and add them to to the heated broth. Toss in rice or noodles or barley, and you have lunch! It's easy to make a lot and you can freeze the leftovers for another meal. What could be easier?

A quick word about store bought broth: While I admit that homemade does seem to taste better (and I never let a poultry carcass go to waste without making broth), the store bought options available now aren't bad. You can look for lower sodium and fat free versions. When there's a sale, I make sure to stock up, knowing I always have a quick meal on hand.