There’s nothing that a comforting soup can’t fix!
A steaming bowl of soup is one of the world’s oldest and most universal foods. It has an immense variety of recipes from across the globe, making it everyone’s favourite when they’re feeling sick or cold.
So in this article, we’ll explore the many ways soup can be served. From broths to stews, let’s see how culture influences how we make them.
Japan: Ramen
One of the most traditional soups in Japan is ramen. It consists of a broth based on fish or meat, like pork, chicken, and beef. Then it’s served with pasta and different side dishes, such as eggs and vegetables.
Ramen might be famous in Japan, but its origin is Chinese. It has plenty of variations, so you have a lot of choices whenever you want to eat it. More so, it is the perfect soup to boost your mood. Indeed, it’s always a good idea to slurp ramen’s rich and flavorful soup any time of the day!
Spain: Gazpacho
Spain’s most popular soup is gazpacho. It comes from Andalusia, the country’s Mediterranean region. In addition, the Arabs brought this dish to the Iberian Peninsula. And the original recipe was a combination of garlic, olive oil, and bread.
During the Moorish occupation in the mediaeval period, gazpacho was discovered. It was a dish eaten by peasants that didn’t include tomatoes. The fruit was added to the soup in the 16th century. Today’s classic version has tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, almonds, watermelon, cucumbers, and stale breadcrumbs.
Vietnam : Pho
Among Vietnam’s most recognized culinary exports is pho. It is rich in flavours and textures and takes more than 12 hours to prepare. This soup is the perfect meal for any time.
Sliced beef and rice noodles are cooked in broth with numerous spices, including ginger, coriander, and cardamom. The broth is simmered for hours with star anise, cinnamon, and other spices to create an aromatic base. Also, pho’s popularity dates back to the French colonisation of the country. It’s now served in various restaurants worldwide in different flavours.
Mexico: Tortilla Soup
Corn tortillas are widely known in Mexico, and this is the basis of its famous soup, the tortilla soup. Pieces of fried tortillas are combined with a tomato broth seasoned with pepper, onion, parsley, and garlic.
Tortilla soup is one of the traditional dishes of Mexican gastronomy. It represents the fusion of the Spanish and Pre-Hispanic cultures. So, when you’re in Mexico, don’t forget to try this yummy dish out!
China: Wonton Soup
Another most flavorful soup is from China. Wonton soup originated from the Canton region. The wonton, a very fine dough made with eggs and flour, is cooked in a broth with meat and vegetables. You’ll never go wrong with this Chinese soup because it’s tasty and comforting!
Additionally, the wonton soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can cook it at home in just a few minutes and serve it hot with the whole family. Everyone will surely love this dish.
United States of America: Chowder Soup
A bowl of chowder soup could be your best choice whenever you’re craving a hearty soup. It’s a traditional North American soup with cream, seafood, or chicken. You’ll love the comforting aroma and delightful taste of this soup.
The chowder soup was first discovered in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. After the long journeys of the sailors, they were greeted with this soup. Then it was brought to America and later known as the chowder soup. This soup has several varieties, such as Rhode Island clam chowder, New England clam chowder, and Manhattan clam chowder.
Morocco: Harira
A hot bowl of delicious harira with great flavours will transport you to Morocco. It is a chickpea stew made with savoury tomato broth, cinnamon, pepper, turmeric, ginger, and spices. Only simple ingredients are needed to prepare this flavorful soup.
Furthermore, the most classic variety of harira is simmered with chunks of lamb or other meat. It’s one of the Muslim traditions to break their fasts with it during the month of Ramadan.
Peru: Chupe de Camarones
As the national dish of Peru, chupe de camarones is a favourite of the locals. It can be made with almost anything. This creamy shrimp soup is known to be a powerful aphrodisiac as it has a kick of spiciness.
You can put aji amarillo, a chilli pepper with a fruity flavour that adds spice to balance the creamy ingredients. It’s a great dish for cold nights alongside corn and potatoes!
Ukraine: Borscht
Eastern Europe’s greatest contribution to the world’s cuisine can be represented through the Borscht soup. It is the national dish of Ukraine, and variations of it can be found everywhere in the region. Traditionally, it is made with beetroot, vegetables, and meats.
Borscht has a mixture of earthy and sweet tastes. It’s also a healthy soup since beets are packed with antioxidants. You can consume it hot or cold with a serving of sour cream for a perfect meal.
Philippines: Sinigang
Named the best soup in the world by Taste Atlas, Philippine’s sinigang never disappoints. It is a sour soup consisting of vegetables, like cabbage, water spinach, tomatoes, green beans, and eggplants. You can also add meat or seafood, depending on your preference.
Typically, sinigang is served hot as a main dish with rice. Its sour lightness matches the country’s heat and represents authentic Filipino cuisine.
Indeed, you can never go wrong with a bowl of these above-mentioned appetising soups. Enjoy these mouthwatering soups from across the globe, for they will surely satisfy your soup cravings any time of the day!
