Soup is a one-pot wonder, the ultimate comfort food that soothes both body and soul. Now that we’re out of summer and our days are shorter and chillier, it’s time to get out the crockpot and put together a tried-and-true favorite or attempt something new.
Since anthropologists tell us soup-making dates back at least 20,000 years, there are countless recipes to choose from.
Asian and French cuisines offer clear, simple soups like miso, egg drop or classic consomme. These minimalist soups may look simple, but I’ve learned that a well-made broth requires patience and technique – stripping ingredients down to their essence while coaxing out maximum flavor.
Many Europeans take a different route with their pureed soups, transforming farm vegetables into smooth, refined dishes. Butternut squash, potato leek, cauliflower – these soups can turn humble ingredients into something elegant.
The Irish have yet another approach, creating chunky stews and chowders that pack everything into one pot: protein, vegetables and starches. Historically, these hearty soups kept working people going through brutal winters, and they still deliver that stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction we crave on a cold day.
Noodle soups such as pho, ramen and chicken noodle are considered the most comforting of all, and scientists have studied why they make us feel so good.
Turns out the combination of hot liquid, salt and easily digestible carbohydrates triggers multiple comfort responses in our bodies. Nutritionists say adding protein and vegetables makes it a complete meal in a bowl. No wonder chicken noodle soup has been a popular favorite.
The cultural geography of soup tells its own story. Cold-climate countries developed thick, calorie-dense versions – Scandinavian pea soup, Russian borscht, Canadian split pea. Mediterranean regions created lighter options like Italian stracciatella or Spanish gazpacho.
Each culture’s soup tradition evolved from ingredients that were available and what the climate demanded, yet everyone arrived at the same conclusion: combining ingredients in hot liquid creates something greater than the individual ingredients alone.
Whether you’re making it from scratch, heating up a favorite from the store or ordering delivery, soup remains one of life’s simple pleasures. From cultural and geographical traditions plus family favorites, your soup options are endless.
Writer, editor and speaker Cheryl Russell is a Laguna Woods Village resident. Contact her at Cheryl@starheart.com.