Creamy soup does not have to be heavy, expensive, or complicated. This cream of endive soup turns a humble Belgian vegetable into a silky, comforting bowl with gentle bitterness, savory depth, and a clean finish.

Beef shanks can look a little intimidating in the meat case. They are thick, bony, and full of connective tissue, not the kind of cut you toss into a pan for a quick dinner. But that is exactly why they make such incredible soup.