For whatever reason — perhaps it’s my nomadic Jewish ancestors — I have a seasonal constitution. In the summertime I’m Tavern-Style Tal, light and crisp, and from December to March I’m in full hibernatory deep-dish mode. My wife’s appetite isn’t as dictated by climate; her blood type is broth. She will eat a meat-and-potato stew just as eagerly on a 100-degree day as in subzero temperatures. 

In winter we achieve dietary alignment. We’ll hop in the car and drive to one of our select purveyors of elite soups. The windows there will be clouded, and we’ll remove our bulky outerwear, lean serenely over our bowls, and delight in the steam rising to our faces while we ladle bouillon into our mouths.

We’ve tasted some of the best soups in the city. Here are five of our favorites.

Lentil soup at Taste of Lebanon

Bright and peppery, and comes with a pita — perfect for dunking. $3.49. 1509 W. Foster Ave., Andersonville 

Rare steak and beef balls pho (No. 15) at Pho Nam Lua

Incredibly delicate and aromatic; plus, there’s a parking lot. $13.50. 6261 N. McCormick Blvd., West Rogers Park

Pozole verde at Pozoleria El Mexicano

If you like pozole, you’ll love this one, so richly porky. (It even comes with a side of pork rinds.) $13.99. 5037 W. Diversey Ave., Belmont Cragin

Tarte à l’oignon alsacienne at Le Bouchon

Meaty caramelized onions simmering under a canopy of thick Raclette cheese. Best consumed at the bar with a glass of Beaujolais. $15. 1958 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown

Beef stew with soup noodle at Potsticker House

A sinus-clearing bowlful of tender beef and chewy egg noodles. $10.95. 3139 S. Halsted St., Bridgeport