Shameela Yoosuf AliSoups are a comforting and satisfying food that can be especially appealing during cold days. There are several reasons why soups are a great option during cold weather.
Warmth: One of the most apparent reasons soups are a great option during cold days is that they provide warmth. Sipping a hot bowl of soup can help to warm you up from the inside out, making it a perfect food to enjoy on a chilly day.
Hydration: soups are mostly made of water, and warm soup is a great way to stay hydrated, especially during cold weather when the air can dry and dehydrate.
Nutrients: Soups can be a great way to get a variety of nutrients, especially when made with a variety of vegetables. They are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, especially when made with various ingredients.
Comfort: Soups can be a comforting food, as they are often associated with home and family. They can remind you of comforting memories and provide warmth and familiarity.
Versatility: Soups can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, making them a versatile option for any dietary needs or preferences. They can be made with meat or without, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan. They can also be spiced to your taste.
Budget-friendly: Soups can be a budget-friendly option as they can be made with inexpensive ingredients and stretch a long way. It makes them an excellent choice for those trying to save money.
Tom Kha Gai Soup -Thailand
This is a classic Thai soup made with coconut milk, chicken, mushrooms, and lemongrass. To make, heat coconut milk in a pot and add in chicken, mushrooms, and lemongrass. Bring to a simmer and season with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to taste. Serve with cilantro and sliced chilli peppers.
Mulligatawny Soup – India
This is a popular Indian soup made with lentils, vegetables, and spices. To make, heat oil in a pot and sauté onions, ginger, and garlic. Add lentils, vegetables, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Simmer until the lentils are cooked, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Wonton Soup- China
This is a renowned Chinese soup made with wontons, vegetables, and broth. To make, bring chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer and add in wontons, vegetables such as bok choy, and seasonings such as soy sauce and sesame oil.
Laksa Soup – Malaysia
This is a famous Malaysian soup made with noodles, seafood and spicy coconut milk-based broth. To make, heat oil in a pot and sauté onions, ginger, and garlic. Add in curry paste, and coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add in seafood and noodles, and cook until the seafood is done. Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to taste.
Fish Soup – Sri Lanka
This is a flavourful soup made with fish, coconut milk, and a mixture of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The ingredients are simmered together to create a rich and aromatic broth, with the fish cooked until it is tender and flaky.
Pho Soup -Vietnam
This popular Vietnamese soup is made with rice noodles, beef, and a flavourful broth. Bring beef broth to a simmer and add rice noodles, beef, and seasonings such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Serve with herbs such as basil and cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Ramen Soup – Japan
This popular Japanese soup is made with wheat noodles, meat or seafood, and a flavourful broth. Bring chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer and add wheat noodles, meat or seafood, and seasonings such as soy sauce, miso, and sake. Garnish with green onions, nori, and egg.
Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) – Turkey
This is a comforting and flavorful soup made with lentils, onions, and spices. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and paprika. Add in lentils and water, bring to a simmer, and cook until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and lemon juice to taste.
Harira Soup – Morocco
This is a prominent soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin, ginger, and paprika. Add in tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and water, bring to a simmer, and cook until the lentils and chickpeas are tender. Season with salt and lemon juice to taste.
Banga Soup – Nigeria
A traditional soup made with palm nut extract, which gives it its characteristic orange-red colour and slightly sour flavour. It is typically made with a blend of spices and seasonings, such as crayfish, pepper, and palm oil, and is served with pounded yam or fufu. Common ingredients include smoked fish, meats, and vegetables, such as spinach or bitter leaf.
Mutton Soup – Bangladesh
This is a hearty soup made with mutton, potatoes, and a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The ingredients are simmered in a flavourful broth until the mutton is tender and the potatoes are soft. The soup is typically served with rice and is a staple of Bangladeshi cuisine.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious warm soups from Asia and worldwide. Each recipe is unique and can be adapted to your taste and preference. They are delicious, comforting and easy to make, perfect for cold days and for the whole family.
