Soups

Soups are a type of liquid food typically prepared by combining ingredients such as meat and vegetables with stock, juice, water, or another liquid. Hot soups are additionally characterized by boiling solid ingredients in liquids in a pot until the flavors are extracted, forming a broth.

History

Soups are a staple in many world cuisines, from Chinese hot and sour soup to French onion soup. The word soup itself is of Old French origin, from 'soupe' which means soup or broth. This term was later applied to the concoction of ingredients left to simmer in a pot, which has been a common method of preparing food throughout history.

Types of Soup

There are many types of soups, which can be broadly categorized into two types: clear soups and thick soups. Clear soups are usually made from broth and vegetables or meats, while thick soups are often puréed or contain cream or egg. Some popular types of soup include chicken soup, tomato soup, beef soup, and vegetable soup.

Clear Soups

Clear soups are typically made by simmering meat, fish, or vegetables in a liquid. They are not thickened with starch. Examples of clear soups include chicken noodle soup and French onion soup.

Thick Soups

Thick soups are classified depending upon the type of thickening agent used. Purées are vegetable soups thickened with starch. Bisques are made from puréed shellfish thickened with cream. Cream soups are thickened with béchamel sauce and veloutés are thickened with eggs, butter, and cream.

Preparation

Soup preparation varies widely by type and ingredients. However, most soups follow a similar preparation process: the ingredients are cleaned and chopped, then sautéed or sweated to release flavors. Next, liquids are added and the soup is simmered until the ingredients are tender. Finally, the soup is seasoned and served.

Health Benefits

Soups can be a healthy choice, as they can be packed with nutrients from vegetables, meats, and broths. They can also be low in calories and fat, depending on the ingredients used. Soups can also aid in digestion and are often recommended for those who are ill or recovering from surgery.

See Also

• List of soups
• Stew
• Bisque
• Broth
• Chowder