If you would like to make your soups and chili’s more flavorful, here are two simple things you can do that really make a huge difference:

1. Finely chop any vegetables.  When vegetables are cut into small, uniform pieces, they cook more quickly and evenly, and also release a good deal more flavor, than large irregular cuts.
2. Prepare the day ahead.  The nice thing about this is that you can plan ahead and make a soup or chili ahead of time for one of those nights (or breakfasts) that you don’t have the time to cook.  In addition, by allowing time, the flavors will have a change to integrate and become richer.