Crossword Genius

Thick soup’s a new starter in this country building (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cottage

'country building' is the definition.
(rural residence)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for cottage that I've seen before include "Rural house" , "Rural dwelling" , "bungalow" , "Country dwelling" , "Small living space" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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